Carers battling isolation can get help online

Unsupported and isolated carers can now access a wealth of online support and meet other carers through The Princess Royal Trust for Carers’ redesigned website (www.carers.org).

As part of the relaunch, Carers.org surveyed its online community of adult, unpaid carers to find out about their experiences of isolation which revealed that nearly nine in ten carers (86.7%) find it difficult to leave their home because of their caring role and over half (53.2%) feel alone and isolated.

The online survey of 400 who care for a sick or disabled family member found 86.7% of carers surveyed are left to cope without enough support from family or friends, whilst nearly half (46%) have no free time to visit support services.

Over three quarters (76%) do not receive any respite by social services so they can have a regular break from their caring role, while over one in three (36.5%) are unaware that they are even entitled to breaks.

Carol, 52, who cares for her husband who underwent heart surgery and suffered a stroke, said: “When my husband became ill and physically disabled it was a terrible shock. I wanted him to have the best care possible so I gave up work to look after him. At the time, however, I never knew what to expect or how to deal with caring full time.

“My caring role is now 24/7 which I do by myself with little outside help. I find it difficult to leave the house and I often feel very alone and isolated. Sometimes I feel no-one understands how tough it is for me. Friendships have long gone as I never have the chance to see them.

“Carers.org has changed my life for the better. I have made friends with other carers on the site who are so supportive and understand what I’m going through. I have access to information whenever I need it, and the best part is, I don’t have to leave my home to get this kind of support. I also write blogs on the website which gives me an outlet to express myself. I am coping much better now.”

The redesigned website has a variety of new and innovative features for carers including: enhanced profiles and search so carers can find others in a similar position or location; sharing experiences via blogs and discussion boards; and accessing information on local news and events. The website’s new Online Support Team also provides carers with advice and one-to-one support via email and the discussion boards.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: “An overwhelming number of carers will face isolation in their caring roles. Our redesigned website is one of the many ways that we help to combat this issue, whilst we continue to campaign for work for greater carer support.

“In the absence of respite care, carers can get advice on breaks from the site or our network of Carers’ Centres across the UK.”

For further information, please contact: Sonya Roberts (Head of Communications at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers) on 07792 959826 or email sroberts@carers.org.