Caring can have a major impact on your health. The latest Census shows that people providing high levels of care are twice as likely to suffer from poor health as non-carers.  This means that one in every five carers is in poor health.

Caring itself can lead to long term ill health. Census figures show that carers are twice as likely to become permanently sick or disabled.  Common problems include back problems, depression, disturbed sleep, exhaustion.  Causes of ill health among carers include

• lack of breaks
• constantly on call, with disrupted sleep, no time for themselves
• isolation
• low incomes - money worries affects the health of six out of ten carers
• lifting and moving without proper assistance

Despite clear evidence of carers being at increased risk of ill health, carers tell us that their own health needs are often overlooked by the health service and local authorities.  Carers Scotland has found that carers with health problems are not getting the extra support that would make it easier to care, even after a carer's assessment.

Making progress

Carers Scotland has:

• supported financial incentives for GPs to identify and support carers
• supported the inclusion of the need for the NHS to inform carers of their right to an assessment under the Community Care & Health (Scotland) Act 2002.
• promoted the health of carers through the production of a health and wellbeing resource guide for carers
• raised awareness of the health needs of carers through a major conference for health and social services.
• promoted the publication of research on the health effects of caring.

Carers Scotland is calling for...

• health professionals to provide regular health checks for carers.
• incentives for primary care divisions and community health partnerships to make carers' health a priority.
• better awareness among health professionals of the stresses and strains carers face when they are left without support.
• health and social services to ensure carers are given the right equipment and services, including training so that caring is safe and their health is protected.
• carers' access to all preventative screening services (such as dental services and eye tests) increased.
• service planning and provision includes access to respite and transport services to enable carers to attend health services.
• carers' health prioritised in public health and health promotion strategies.
• best practice on patient discharge from hospital to carers at home fully implemented and monitored.
• illness prevention intiatives for care providers, such as flu vaccinations, expanded to include carers.