Hearing from unpaid carers

The challenges of taking a break – hearing from unpaid carers in Northumberland

Summary

We asked carers about their experiences of taking breaks from their caring role and what had worked well and not so well. We also wanted to find out what would help them take more breaks and what the impact would be if they were able to take more breaks.

We heard that many carers had not taken breaks, particularly longer ones, in the past 12 months. Those who had taken breaks largely relied on family or friends to provide alternative care for their loved ones. Most who did not take breaks had either not tried to access a break or said their loved one did not like others caring for them. However, many carers also said they were unaware of the options available to them in getting help to take breaks from their caring role.

Some carers had no options to take breaks if they had no family support or alternative options for their loved ones being cared for by someone else and many felt guilt, stress or worry in taking breaks and leaving their loved ones. However, carers told us that taking more breaks would positively impact their mental health and wellbeing and we heard a strong message around the impact of caring on mental health.

Fewer numbers of carers had used formal respite services but those that had told us of difficulties in accessing suitable care due to costs, inability to pre-book or services being unable to meet their loved ones needs.

Key findings

A third of carers were unable to regularly enjoy activities for themselves such as socialising or hobbies
45% of carers responding had not taken a short break from caring in the past
12 months
76% of carers responding had not taken a longer break from caring in the past
12 months
70% of carers relied on family or friends to enable them to take longer breaks
and 53% for shorter breaks
Of those who had not taken breaks in the past 12 months 33% stated they were unaware of the options available to them to take a break from their caring role
64% of carers responding would like more opportunities to take a break from
their caring role
Those struggling the most to take longer breaks were arguably those in the greatest need; carers who provide care for over 81 hours each week

Recommendations

Work with the local carers forum and Carers Partnership Board to identify the wide range of respite options available to carers
Ensure information about respite and how carers can access breaks from caring is readily available on Northumberland County Council website and as hard copies. This should be available to both people who fund their own care and those in receipt of care via Northumberland County Council Adult Social Care.
Ensure transparency on costs of ‘respite’ services and promote, where possible, low cost and free services
Carers assessments: Prioritise the importance of taking breaks during carers assessments and with those being cared for. Where possible, conduct carers assessments separately for those that they are providing care for to allow
more open and honest discussion
Use existing good practice resources to help support carers to take breaks: Carers Trust Time Away From Caring: Good Practice in Carer Breaks