An estimated 220,000 people in NI care for a loved one, saving the NHS around £4.6bn annually.
It is often the case that those who actually provide the care are overlooked, as their priority is the client. However we need to address the health impact, mental and physical, this responsibility has on the carers themselves.
A recent study, carried out by a number of carers’ charities, shows that around “70% of carers said that they had suffered mental ill health as a result of their caring responsibilities”.
Without a doubt, if these carers were not there to perform these duties and those needing care relied entirely on the state, the health & social system would be unable to cope.
Let us all take some time this week to thank those who do care for our loved ones, our most vulnerable community and congratulate them on the effort that they put in.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44381231
