Greater support for working carers needed to help reform social care system
•Simplyhealth research released today reveals that four in ten (42%) people think providing more support to working carers will help create a sustainable social care system
•A quarter (26%) think the option of saving a percentage of an employees’ pension contributions for social care will help
•More than a tenth of UK adults (16%) think people should fund their own care through personal savings, but with a cap
Four in ten (42%) UK adults believe greater support needs to be offered to working carers in order to help fund a sustainable social care system, according to latest statistics from everyday healthcare company Simplyhealth.
In addition, 43% of people think that providing more support to informal, or unpaid carers, such as simplifying the Carer’s Allowance process, could help fund a more sustainable social care system.
Just 16% of people thought individuals should use personal savings to fund their own care, but with a cap, while a quarter (26%) think a percentage of an employees’ pension contributions should be saved for social care in the future to help create a sustainable social care system.
The UK has an ageing population with more people having to work and care for a loved one. It is estimated that around 1 in 9* people in the workforce are juggling caring with paid work, but that figure increases to as many as 1 in 2** who provide some form of care to loved ones on a regular basis but aren’t seen as formal carers. The Government is expected to consult on proposals to reform care and support for older people.
The results show that of the 42% who think that providing more support in the workplace could help fund a more sustainable social care system, 40% of 18-24 year olds also agree. This shows the importance of employers recognising the needs of carers in the workplace.
Working carers provide a vital role in caring for our ageing population combined with essential value to their employers. At Simplyhealth we’ve identified that due to the incredibly complex nature of eldercare requirements, the lack of a trusted, single source of guidance and information is leading to increased stress and anxiety and unnecessary additional time being taken, leading to more time away from work. That’s why we worked with employers to develop Care for Life, a personalised solution that guides through this complex and ever changing environment, supporting colleagues and improving productivity.
In addition, Simplyhealth have teamed up with technology company HealthUnlocked to develop an online freely-accessible peer-led forum so that those caring for elderly friends or relatives can share their concerns in a supportive environment. Visit https://healthunlocked.com/careforlifeTo find out more about Care for Life visit www.simplyhealth.co.uk/careforlife
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,679 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th February - 1st March 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
*Census 2011
**Simplyhealth consumer research conducted by Opinium to a nationally representative sample of 2000 UK adults from the 2nd-5th December 2016