State of Caring Carers UK State of Caring 2017 Report | Page 13

STATE OF CARING REPORT 2017
least likely to buy or receive practical support, with 28%
of this group reporting they received none.
Almost a third
29 %
When asked how they feel about the practical support
they might get in the future, 6 out of 10 people (63%)
said they feel uncertain about what might happen and
almost a third (29%) said they are worried that the
support might be reduced. This was similar between
groups. Only 8% of people said they were confident that
the support they receive will continue. People providing
care to a disabled child and sandwich carers were the
least likely to say they were confident that the support
they receive will continue (5%).
said they are worried that the
practical support they get might
be reduced in the future
Only
8 %
Changing levels of support
A third of people (34%) said they or the person they
care for have experienced a change in the amount of
care and support services they receive in the last year.
Of these, almost 4 in 10 (39%) said the amount of care
or support arranged by social services had been reduced
and 13% said the care or support service was closed
with no replacement offered. 7% said the amount of
care or support reduced because the cost increased.
said they were confident that the
support they receive will continue
Out of those who reported a change in the amount
of care they receive in the last year, people caring for
a disabled child under 18 and round the clock carers
were slightly more likely to report their care had been
reduced, with 42% and 41% of those in this group
stating this, respectively.
We need more but cannot afford it
3 out of 10 people (29%) of those who reported a
change in the level of support said that the amount
of care or support arranged by social services had
increased because the need for support increased.
My son received direct payments. I
accompanied him for many years
to his swimming lesson and cubs.
His PA started to take him to these
activities about 15 months ago. This
has allowed for me to give time to my
other children. It isn’t a break for me
essentially but it helps as I would have
had to choose one child’s needs over
another
This question has been asked consistently over the
last few years and the evidence from carers shows a
steady reduction in service provision, at times, with no
alternatives. The compound effect of this is reflected
in the overall social care provision statistics which
demonstrate a reduction in the overall number of
people receiving care. Most worryingly, some services
are withdrawn completely, with no alternative offered.
Sam goes to a day service 5 days a
week. I wouldn’t cope if he didn’t
have this and neither would he
The budget was cut so we have to find
an extra £130 a month for provision
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