Commenting on the Care Quality Commission’s 2022 State of Care report, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said;

“The Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report lays bare the extremely challenging situation facing our health and care services. But families up and down the country, caring for their disabled, ill and older relatives, are bearing the brunt of this crisis and providing ever increasing amounts of unpaid care. The proportion of people providing substantial unpaid care has risen by 42% since the height of the pandemic, with carers’ health, wellbeing and paid work suffering.

”Unpaid carers are being forced out of work every day because they have no choice about providing care when statutory services fall short. A staggering 4.68 million unpaid carers are concerned about their own physical and mental health. This situation is simply not sustainable and puts more pressure on unpaid carers when they can least afford it. At a time when carers are struggling more than ever with the cost of living crisis, the new Prime Minister must have this marked essential, with support for social care and carers, as well at the cost of living at the top of the list.”