'Being a carer has left me at breaking point'

Parents with disabled children spend an average of 42 hours a week providing care and support, with duties such as personal care, feeding, dressing, lifting and giving medication leaving little time for outside work, rest or socialising.

Almost a third will spend more than 48 hours a week providing care, and one in six more than 72 hours.

Many of these children need wraparound care, expensive equipment and endless trips to appointments at clinics and hospitals – the cost of travel, parking and petrol all adding a burden to an already difficult juggle.

Nearly two thirds of carers say they are exhausted or burnt out, and one in five say they are unable to remember the last time they had a break, according to Sense, a charity that supports people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities.

‘Caring for someone is often demanding, non-stop work, and takes its toll physically and mentally,’ Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of Sense, tells Metro.

‘Yet sadly, family carers across the country are missing out on being able to take a meaningful break from these responsibilities – denied the opportunity to rest and recuperate, reconnect with family and friends, or take part in other activities.

‘The pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis has made the situation worse, with carers taking on even greater caring responsibilities and receiving less support, with their health and wellbeing suffering as a result. Many are simply burnt-out. We need to show that we value these incredible individuals in our communities. Local and national government must commit long-term resources and funding to support families.’

Here, four families give a glimpse into what life is like as a full-time carer.

For more information about Sense, click here.

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