Health of carers continues to suffer, survey finds

Manx carers are continuing to feel the "far-reaching" pressures of caring responsibilities despite the creation a 10-year plan to improve support, a survey has found.

The report by the charity Crossroads in conjunction with the health department found 85% of the 370 carers who responded said their health had suffered since becoming a carer, a 3% rise on the previous figure from 2023.

Respondents said the responsibility had at times made them feel "lonely and isolated" or "quite hopeless", while the costs of extra care were "terrifying".

Health Minister Claire Christian said the findings would inform the department's strategy, which aimed to provide a "more inclusive and supportive framework" for carers.

Carers are classed as those who look after family, neighbours, friends or partners for a number of reasons, including illness, disability, mental health or addiction.

The 2021 census showed there were more than 4,869 people over the age of 10 providing care or support for someone.

The latest consultation was carried out between September and November 2024.

The State of Caring report 2024-25 also highlights how people's finances, employment, and social lives were affected, with 38% of carers providing more than 100 hours of care each week.

Largely echoing the the previous survey, 76% of respondents said they worried about constant fatigue, and 59% had not taken a break from caring in the past year.

The data found 63% had experienced financial struggles, with some cutting back on essentials like food and heating.

A carers strategy aimed at improving recognition and support was backed by the Manx parliament in June 2024, and subsequently a steering group was formed to coordinate its delivery.

Health Minister Claire Christian said the group, which included government and third sector representatives, would continue to "work towards our goal of a more inclusive and supportive framework" for carers.

The findings would "support us to continue that work" she said.

Crossroads chief executive Jackie Betteridge said the finding showed the "far-reaching the effects of caring" and gave a "clear picture of the challenges carers face".

"With an ageing population and the number of carers expected to rise, we must act now," she said.

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