A recent report has highlighted a significant rise in the number of people providing full-time care for disabled family members, indicating a growing trend of caregiving within our society. The surge in individuals dedicating over 35 hours per week to unpaid care duties has been attributed to the lack of formal social care services, prompting some to leave their jobs to fulfill these responsibilities. Notably, middle-aged women are increasingly shouldering the burden of caring for parents, spouses, or disabled adult children.
Data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals a substantial increase in full-time unpaid carers in England, soaring from 1.1 million in 2003/04 to 1.9 million in 2023/24. Meanwhile, there has been a 15% rise in applications for formal social care support for the elderly, yet only a 2.5% increase in actual recipients.
Dr. Parth Patel, associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), emphasized the pressing need for more caregivers in our society, highlighting the challenges faced in meeting this demand. The IPPR calls for better support for unpaid carers through workplace rights, income protection, and paid care leave to address the growing care needs.
Furthermore, the IPPR recommends that the state allocate more resources to support caregiving, proposing a system where care is affordable for everyone. The organization urges bold reforms to create a care system that is universal, affordable, reliable, and fair, stressing the importance of immediate action rather than prolonged inaction.
The political landscape also plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, with the Government’s commitment to establishing a National Care Service currently pending a national review. The delayed reform of social care has sparked criticism, with calls for fundamental changes to ensure adequate care for all individuals in need.
As the demand for caregiving continues to rise, it is essential for individuals requiring assistance to seek support through their local councils. A needs assessment can determine the level of social care required, with potential financial assistance available based on the assessment results. Organizations like Age UK provide guidance on navigating the social care system, offering support to those in need of care services.