A record number of pensioners are caring for elderly relatives

 

Army of ‘grey carers’ who look after elderly relatives grows to record 1.2million

By Gerri Peev

Last updated at 1:38 AM on 11th June 2011

 A record number of pensioners are devoting their retirement to looking after elderly relatives.

The army of ‘grey carers’ has soared to nearly 1.2million, up 15 per cent in a decade, reveal figures from Carers UK and academics.

These over-65s are spending what should be their own golden years looking after parents, relatives or partners who are increasingly living into their 80s and 90s.

Devoted: A record number of pensioners are now spending their retirement looking after elderly parents or other relativesDevoted: A record number of pensioners are now spending their retirement looking after elderly parents or other relatives

They account for nearly a fifth of family carers and are the fastest growing group.

The total number of people who have had to take on care duties has reached 6.4million, a rise of 9 per cent since 2001.

The rise in pensioners giving full-time care comes as councils across the country slash home help services, which are a vital source of support. 

Some no longer provide bathing or dressing services or are bringing in extra charges for home help or meals on wheels, increasing the burden for carers.

The figures unearthed by the charity and University of Leeds academics come ahead of National Carers Week starting on Monday.

Josie Hollis says that looking after 91-year-old mother is tough

The time devoted by family members to caring for ageing relatives saves the state £119billion each year, outstripping the £99billion annual bill for the NHS.

The subsidy amounts to £2.3billion a week or £326million a day.

Pensioners who are not involved in the day-to-day care of parents do, however, have the financial burden of residential care.

More and more elderly people are having to sell their homes to pay hefty costs or rely on relatives using up precious savings.

Margaret Tucker, a retired teacher from Walsall, has to spend nearly £4,000 a year topping up a council subsidy for her 97-year-old mother, Doris Cove, whose care home costs £400 a week.

Mrs Tucker said: ‘My mother loves her care home and I do not begrudge paying for some of it but we should be given tax breaks the same way that parents of children are.

‘I would prefer this money went into my limited savings to provide for my care when I need it. My mum’s  savings totalled £5,000, and she was on benefits, so the local authority should pay the full amount.

‘However, they would only agree to pay £323.56 per week. This meant that I have to pay the difference of £76.44 from my pension.’

Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: ‘There is a new generation of older people forgoing their plans for retirement to take on caring for even older loved ones. Many face isolation, ill-health and a struggle to make ends meet. 

‘With 11million people alive today in the UK expected to live to 100, looking after our parents as they get older has become a fact of life for most families.

‘It is time society recognised this contribution and gave families the support they need.’ 

Jenny Willott, a Liberal Democrat MP and spokesman on older  people, said ministers had to decide urgently how to fund social care.

She said: ‘We don’t value carers enough. The physical, emotional and financial pressures are all the more intense on carers over 65.’

 

If you need further information Admiral Nursing DIRECT is a national helpline provided by Admiral Nurses who offer practical advice and emotional support for family carers and people with dementia.

The helpline is available by phone 0845 257 9406 or email direct@dementiauk.org

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