Malnutrition and carers Heléna Herklots Chief Executive Carers UK
Carers 6.5 million carers in the UK 1 in 8 adults have caring responsibilities 58% women / 42% men 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men aged are carers. 1.2 million carers over the age of 65 – 35% increase since 2001 (fastest growing group)
State of Caring survey % of carers surveyed said that caring has a negative impact on health. Up from 74% in 2011/12
State of Caring survey out of 10 carers worry about the diet of the person they are caring for Less than half (48%) had received nutritional advice for the person they care for 86% wanted information early to help them care better
State of Caring “You are watching someone disappear in front of your eyes. You just feel helpless.”
State of Caring “ You have another person’s life in your hands and you become the judge of what to do for the best.”
State of Caring survey out of 10 carers said they had neglected their own diet as a result of caring: Why? 66% said that they eat the wrong foods because they get depressed 46% said that they don’t have time to prepare balanced meals 28% said lack of time meant they didn’t eat enough 34% said that they couldn’t afford to eat a healthy diet
Supporting carers Information and advice Support and training Access to expertise Follow-up care
Further information Advice Line