According to the results of a major international survey revealed on World Mental Health Day, almost 75% of the carers of those living with schizophrenia, feel that a huge emotional and physical burden is being placed on them.
The Caring for Carers (C4C) survey, which is on-going in 25 countries, is being undertaken by the European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI) in collaboration with LUCAS, the interdisciplinary centre for care research and consultancy of the University of Leuven, Belgium.
The results are based on responses from over 400 carers across several continents. It provides evidence of the immense and unspoken burden on people caring for those living with schizophrenia and highlights the contribution they make, and the overwhelming impact this has on their own lives.
The results find that family carers perform their caregiver role for an average of 16 years, are likely to have to do so for the rest of their lives, and report an average of 23 hours a week caring, which equates to the same commitment as a part time job.
In the EU, there are approximately 10 million family carers caring and supporting their family members with a serious mental health condition on a daily basis.
Kevin Jones, Secretary General, EUFAMI, said “This hidden workforce of family carers is a lifeline for society and we must take steps to ensure they are fully recognised for their contributions, their voices are heard and they are supported in order to allow them to continue caring effectively and safely for their loved ones, without putting their own physical and emotional well-being at risk.”
With this constant level of pressure, a third of carers are reported to be reaching ‘breaking point’ and feeling they cannot carry on with things the way they are.
More Support Is Needed
The findings emphasise the urgent need for action from both Governments and society to recognise the role of carers, their contribution and the need to provide hope and support for their future, with almost 95% of carer’s surveyed saying that they want more support on several domains.
The survey highlights carers’ desire to be more involved in treatment conversations and to be better equipped to influence care decisions.
“There is a lack of support and dissatisfaction being expressed by family carers. 38% feel they are not taken seriously and 44% are not feeling satisfied with their ability to influence important decisions in treatment and care planning,
“Healthcare professionals need to acknowledge that family carers can play a much stronger role, integrate them in treatment decisions and work together to achieve better outcomes for the patient. EUFAMI has been calling for this approach for many years.” Said Mr Jones.
Semi Independent Living
Helping to carry the load of the issue of mental health in the UK is a core aim of Stepping Out.
We provide comprehensive semi independent living services to local authorities throughout North London & Hertfordshire, our facilities are staffed up to 24 hours a day offering a high level, structured and supervised group living arrangement.
Assistance and help can be provided for those who suffer from a number of illnesses and conditions, and where necessary we can provide specific move on placements. If you would like more information on our semi-independent living services, please contact us.
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