Hampshire unpaid carers say isolation and lack of support in lockdown has worsened their mental health

More than 80 per cent of people who have so far responded to the Support for Carers campaign, by Healthwatch Hampshire, said their experiences of caring during Covid-19 had a negative impact on their mental health.

They say more support is needed for the future.

The number of hours spent caring has increased for 65 per cent of those who answered and 81 per cent reported that they could not access any respite services during the pandemic.

One respondee said: ‘Having Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss, my husband has been cared for at home by myself.

‘Having to isolate for five months, the lack of stimulation has caused him to deteriorate considerably and his mood is now very low, unmotivated and his cognitive abilities are much worse.’

Neil Bolton-Heaton, head of Healthwatch Hampshire, said: ‘Unpaid carers have also been telling us what they want to see improve for the future, with a real emphasis on reopening services which offer some respite and help, rather than just a blanket closure which has put pressure on everyone.

‘Mental health support and help with isolation was also a big request to help unpaid carers and their families cope with any future lockdown issues that might arise over the winter months, with an emphasis on more online help, and more flexibility for visiting those who are isolated.’

Many of those caring for loved ones have said online meetings has been a life saver throughout lockdown with 66 per cent adding that family and friends had been helpful or very helpful at offering support during the pandemic.

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Mr Bolton-Heaton added: ‘We really want to hear from as many unpaid carers as possible so we can raise awareness of the issues unpaid carers are facing.’

According to Care UK, it is thought that 4.5m additional people have taken on a caring role since the pandemic started.

To take part in Healthwatch Hampshire’s survey visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Healthwatchcarers, call 01962 440262, email [email protected] or write to Healthwatch Hampshire, Unit 12, Winnall Valley Road, Winchester, SO23 0LD.

The full results of the survey will be shared on Carers Rights Day, November 26.

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