The urgent need to identify unpaid carers
The role of unpaid carers is too often hidden in plain sight, providing the backbone of our healthcare system. The Health Foundation 's recent report 'Can you tell we care?' underlines the critical need for local authorities to invest in new ways to identify unpaid carers. Here I delve into the findings of the report, and examine the compelling case for radical thinking to identify and support unpaid carers, incorporating the introduction of CQC assurance in the space and the costs associated with carer burnout.
An urgent challenge
The report flags that only between 11% and 26% of unpaid carers have been identified as such by either their GP or local authority. This is a staggeringly low figure, especially given the Care Act 2014 includes duties for supporting all carers, not just those with 'eligible' needs.
We also know from other sources that carers are really struggling - for example, more than a quarter (27%) of carers have bad or very bad mental health, which can lead to carer burnout, sickness, and/or compromise the ability for someone to continue their caring role. This ultimately puts more pressure on our healthcare system, and on local authorities to find alternative care.
CQC Assurance: Demonstrating Support for Carers
Local authorities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate the quality of care services they provide, and as of 2023 this will be included in CQC Assurance. The Health Foundation report suggests that investing in new methods to identify and support unpaid carers is essential for local authorities seeking positive CQC evaluations. By showcasing a commitment to understanding and supporting unpaid carers, local authorities can enhance their overall assessment, indicating a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both patients and their primary caregivers.
The Economic Case for Supporting More Carers
Beyond the moral imperative, there is a compelling economic case for local authorities to invest in supporting unpaid carers. The Health Foundation report highlights the significant costs incurred by local authorities when carers experience burnout, leading to increased demand for formal care services, medical interventions, and even emergency situations. Preventing burnout through targeted support measures not only improves the well-being of carers but also results in substantial cost savings for local authorities. Yet these interventions are pointless if we can't identify the carers they are aimed at.
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Beyond direct health and care savings, stronger identification and support for carers sees fewer working-age adults dropping out of the workforce to care, thus boosting local economic output.
Innovative Solutions for Identification
The report suggests that local authorities can adopt innovative solutions to identify unpaid carers more effectively. Leveraging technology, such as data analytics and digital platforms, can help authorities track and recognize individuals providing substantial care to their loved ones. Collaborations with community organizations, healthcare providers, and educational institutions can also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the caregiving landscape within a locality.
Mobilise | B Corp is a social enterprise that has worked with nearly forty local authorities to increase not only the identification of unpaid carers in an area, but also increase the system capacity to provide support. 80% of carers on the platform have never accessed support before, and can do so at a fraction of the cost of conventional approaches.
Conclusion
Investing in new ways to identify and support unpaid carers is not just a compassionate endeavour; it's a strategic move for local authorities. The findings of the Health Foundation report make a compelling case for recognising the often-unseen work of carers, demonstrating support for them as a crucial component of CQC Assurance, and reaping the economic benefits of preventing burnout. As we strive for a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system, prioritising the well-being of unpaid carers is not just an option; it's an imperative for the health and vitality of our communities.
If you're interested in using the Accelerating Reform Fund to increase your identification of unpaid carers in your authority, please do drop me a line.
Carer | Mentor | Business Owner
1 年Many carers, like myself assume that 'healthcare' is 1 entity, with a connected flow of information and communication. However, at each interaction, Carers repeat or correct information about our loved one; there are numerous disconnects. The onus is on the Carer to be the 'glue' and advocate for our loved one to ensure nothing falls through the gaps, my mantra is 'Never assume'. As you know it's a heavy exhausting burden in itself. So, advocating for our own Carers rights and identification, with each of the different entities, different people, for different evolving needs can easily fall by the wayside. Therefore, closing those communication gaps, and increasing healthcare and social care connectivity via mobilise could relieve the burden on carers, and give them the space to think about their own health and wellbeing; as well as help forecast carers numbers and needs for authorities. One day I'd love to hear a simple standard question being made from doctor/district nurse/hospital consultant/any healthcare provider to the patient 'Can you identify the 1-2 carers supporting you, or are you caring for someone'
Triangle of Care UK Programme Lead; Former NHS England Unpaid Carers Lead (London); Armed Forces Health Champion
1 年I concur James with the compelling case presented by the Health Foundations research for improved and more integrated carer data. A significant revelation for me was just the 5% overlap between health and social care carer data. Why is it that we are do not know the same carers, considering they are both patients and service users in our respective domains?