Unpaid Carers in Crisis: Why Supporting Family Carers Matters More Than Ever

Across the UK, more than 5.8 million unpaid carers form the hidden backbone of the care system.
These individuals, often family members or close friends, give their time, energy, and emotional strength to care for loved ones who might otherwise rely on formal services.
Yet, as the care sector faces severe staffing shortages and financial pressures, these unpaid carers are being pushed to breaking point.

A Growing Crisis for Unpaid Carers

Recent figures reveal the stark reality: 1.7 million unpaid carers provide over 50 hours of care each week, many without adequate financial or practical support.
What was once seen as an act of love is now becoming a full-time, unpaid commitment that leaves carers physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and financially insecure.

The collapse of parts of the paid home care sector has only intensified the situation.
With fewer care workers available, families are being left to shoulder an unsustainable burden. For many, burnout is no longer a risk, it’s a daily reality.

Financial Pressures and Hardship

Carers UK’s 2024 report found that 1.2 million unpaid carers live in poverty, with 400,000 in deep poverty.
Rising living costs, higher energy bills, and expenses such as specialist food or equipment are eroding household budgets.
In Wales, nearly half of all unpaid carers are cutting back on essentials just to make ends meet.

The financial strain is compounded by reduced income.
Many carers are forced to leave work or cut their hours, leading to a long-term “pay penalty” of almost £9,000 per year after six years of caring (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2023).
Meanwhile, state benefits such as Carer’s Allowance remain insufficient to meet even basic living costs.

The Impact on Health and Well-being

The emotional toll of unpaid caring cannot be overstated.
According to Carers UK’s 2025 survey, 74% of carers feel stressed or anxious, 40% feel depressed, and over half say financial worries have worsened their mental health. Physically, caring can lead to back injuries, fatigue, and chronic health problems, with 20% reporting injuries from their caring responsibilities.

Social isolation adds another layer of difficulty.
Many carers struggle to find time for friends, hobbies, or even rest.
Without adequate respite options, 41% have not taken a break in the past year, leaving them at risk of burnout and ill health.

Gaps in Support and Recognition

Despite their essential role, too many carers report feeling invisible within the care system. While the Care Act 2014 gives carers the right to assessment and support, access remains inconsistent across local authorities.
Long waiting times, limited respite availability, and a lack of proactive engagement from health and social care services mean that carers often have to navigate this system alone.

How HomeCareDirect Can Help

At HomeCareDirect (HCD), we recognise that family carers are not just informal helpers; they are skilled, compassionate, and deeply invested in the well-being of their loved ones. Our model enables HCD, where appropriate and agreed by funders, to directly employ a family member to deliver care.
This approach can provide much-needed financial stability and emotional reassurance while keeping the focus on personalised, relationship-based support.

Benefits for the Person Receiving Care

• Comfort and familiarity: Remaining at home among personal surroundings supports emotional security and continuity, especially for those with dementia or cognitive decline.
• Independence and dignity: Staying at home allows people to maintain control over their daily routines and lifestyle choices.
• Personalised one-to-one support: Family carers can deliver truly tailored care built around individual needs and preferences.
• Emotional connection: Care from a trusted loved one offers companionship and reduces loneliness.
• Better health outcomes: Research suggests recovery is often faster at home, with lower infection risks than residential settings.

Benefits for the Family Carer

• Peace of mind: Families know their loved one is cared for by someone they trust.
• Stronger family bonds: The experience of caring can deepen relationships and foster shared purpose.
• Flexibility: Home-based care allows families to spend time together on their own terms.
• Financial and emotional balance: Through direct employment, carers gain income, recognition, and a more sustainable way to continue providing care.

Building a Sustainable Future for Care

The current unpaid carer crisis is a warning sign for the UK’s entire care infrastructure. Without greater recognition, fair funding, and flexible support, millions of families will continue to face overwhelming strain.

By creating models that value family carers, such as those offered by HomeCareDirect, we can begin to rebuild a system rooted in empowerment, stability, and compassion. Supporting unpaid carers isn’t just a moral duty; it’s vital for ensuring a sustainable, person-centred future for care in the UK.