Seven in 10 carers have suffered mental health problems because of caring for loved ones, a grim report has revealed.
Seventy-two per cent have suffered mental ill health as a result of caring, while 61% said their physical health had worsened.
Sixty-nine per cent find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and 54% have cut the amount of exercise they do.
Two in five expect to be able to provide less care or no care in the future because of poor physical health.
Nearly two-thirds of councils charge dedicate carers for breaks, figures unearthed by Labour reveal.
Freedom of information responses found 52 of 88 councils responsible for delivering social care now charge fees for respite care.
Twenty have hiked charges over the last three years.
Care users and their carers will face higher costs that make getting the time off that carers need even more unaffordable, according to Labour.
Shadow Care Minister Barbara Keeley said: “It is clear that this Tory Government’s austerity-driven policies are stopping exhausted carers from getting vital breaks from caring.
Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle underground station (Northern and Bakerloo lines).
Nearest Railway Station: Elephant & Castle
Buses from Elephant and Castle: ask bus driver for Burgess Park. Bus numbers: 12, 171, 148, 176, 68, 484, 42, 40, 45