The carer's 'lot'

Based on national estimates, published research, our own survey and casework:

• It is estimated more than 10% of the adult population in the UK are carers;
• This means approximately six million adults are relied upon by others to save this country GBP ~87 billion a year;
• It is estimated there are around 16 600 adult carers in Poole;
• Bournemouth has a similar population;
• With Dorset's 42 000 carers this means there are between 70 000 to 80 000 people across the county looking after someone who is frail, sick or disabled;
• Many, perhaps even half, of the carers in Dorset are older people themselves and among the most disadvantaged people in Britain;
• Many carers don't see themselves as carers or want to be labelled as such;
• Many carers provide more than fifty-five hours' care per week;
• Carers rarely go to see a doctor about their own problems;
• Carers are more likely to receive medication for stress, isolation and depression than a referral for counselling or other forms of emotional support;
• Carers feel 'low' and often suffer from viral infections;
• Many carers do not have the time to sleep or the desire to eat properly;
• Some older carers have to cut down on their food to make ends meet.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790)

Advocare - Caring for Carers is based on the premise that:

• Carers are first of all people with their own unique identity who need to feel valued for who they are and what they do.
• When carers feel dispirited they feel less able to handle a crisis which they fear will hasten their loved one’s admission into residential care.
• By providing support tailored to meet the carers' unique situation, we help to:
  • Safeguard their emotional and psychological wellbeing;
  • Improve their quality of life and that of their loved ones;
  • Encourage earlier access of appropriate health and care services;
  • Prevent the breakdown of care packages;
  • Avoid the unwanted or premature institutionalisation of vulnerable people;
  • Prevent carers from becoming patients themselves.