Journalist and campaigner Michael McEwan reports for healthandcare.scot on unpaid carers struggle to stay afloat both before but especially during a cost of living crisis, which he says is not right in the year 2022 as he calls for more targeted support.

Unpaid carers struggle daily but, now post-pandemic, post-Brexit, we throw the cost of living crisis into the mix.

Pre-covid carers found it difficult in everyday life, because of a lack of support.

There are an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland, which includes 29,000 young carers under the age of 18.

More than 50% of unpaid carers are currently unable to manage their monthly expenses, the latest research by Carers Scotland has revealed.

These results from 249 surveyed carers in Scotland were part of a UK wide survey of 3,300 unpaid carers carried out by Carers UK.

At least 92% of carers have already seen their energy bills increase, and over half (59%) worry that incoming increases in energy bills and other costs of living will negatively affect their own physical and mental health, or that of the person they care for.

Many carers said they were already having to cut back to manage their monthly expenses, with 66% trying to cut back on heating and 17% already falling in arrears with their energy providers.

The findings comes as Carers Scotland, as part of Carers UK, launches a cost of living campaign.

Unpaid carers often face additional costs in keeping those they care for safe, providing extra care, nutrition and support. It's common to have higher energy costs when caring for someone, to help manage their condition.

Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland, said: "Unpaid carers have experienced soaring costs, which is increasing the stress of caring for relatives and friends who are ill, frail, disabled or who have mental health or addiction problems.

“Increased food and energy bills are a hammering blow on already stretched finances for many unpaid carers. Even before the pandemic unpaid carers were already experiencing a cost of living crisis, because more than half of them had to give up paid work because of their caring role.

“In May we welcomed the additional financial support announced by the UK government for low income households, including extra cost of living support for those on disability benefits.

“However, we were extremely disappointed that unpaid carers have been shut out of all additional support yet again, with Carer's Allowance excluded from the benefits listed as qualifying for the extra £650 one off payment for those in greatest need.

“Every day unpaid carers are having to make difficult decisions about whether to heat or eat and this causes significant stress for them and their families. It is vital that unpaid carers get the extra financial support they need to ensure they aren't living in poverty.”

To eat and heat are two of the most basic human rights. Unpaid carers are being forced into life limiting decisions, and this is not right in 2022.

Michael McEwan is a freelance journalist.

Read more from Michael: Column: Value and respect carers; Column: Campaign gives hope to next generation; Column: Carers still not being cared for

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