Home Instead’s investigative survey reveals key UK family carer statistics and uncovers the emerging caregiving crisis in the country.

There are an estimated 5 million plus people providing unpaid care in the UK but they are given minimal support from the government or local authorities and so find themselves increasingly struggling, without understanding the other support available to them in the market.

The problem is set to get worse as our ageing population grows – there are now more people aged 65 and over in England and Wales than children aged under 15. The number of people aged over 64 has surged by 20% over the past decade in England and Wales, to 11.1 million people. Nearly one in five people are aged over 65.

Our survey of 2000 family caregivers across the UK unveiled just how much they are struggling to manage their busy lives and care responsibilities, and the impact this is having on them:

88% neglect their own health and wellbeing
65% struggle with their mental health
31% feel they are at breaking point

As well as 88% who feel guilty about neglecting their own health and well-being, the research reveals that:

86% say they’re feeling guilty about not doing enough for their parents or their children.
71% feel guilt about not being able to put enough into work, 75% about neglecting careers
78% feel that way about their marriage/relationship, 85% about other relationships (friendships)

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