MANY older people are acting as 'care co-ordinators' to find the right support for those they look after, often leading to stress, anxiety and putting back their own retirement.

Challenges faced by older carers are highlighted in a new report published by Carers Trust.

The research, called Retirement on Hold, Supporting Older Carers, reveals that people at retirement age are taking on caring roles involving progressive conditions such as dementia, at a time of life when they have their own age-related health conditions, such as arthritis.

Carers Resource, which has branches in Bradford, Craven and Harrogate, is urging older people who look after a relative or friend to speak out and get vital support.

Chris Whiley is director of the organisation, which supports to people looking after someone with an illness, frailty, disability or addiction.

She says: "It’s pretty harrowing to see these findings in black and white, but it does reflect the experiences carers are telling us about.

"Carers in their 60s and 70s are saying this is not what they expected their retirement to be like. They're caring for someone, often a husband or wife, who is becoming more and more dependent on them.

“The issue is they want to look after their relative or spouse, but it’s a relentless task and one many are doing alone.

“It can be overwhelming with so many calls to make and systems to navigate and understand; all they want is for someone to help them through it. Carers should be applauded; we recognise it’s a really hard role and we’re here to help."

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“They can have several appointments to get to every week, they have extra demands of getting those they care for up and ready in the morning, and by the time they get out of the house they can be exhausted and frazzled."

The Carers Trust report highlights the need for a break being vital to a carer’s own health and wellbeing, but many felt they were reluctant to take one unless their loved one was given appropriate care.

Other findings of the report are that carers said they were spending too much time, and becoming stressed and anxious when trying to organise care, and felt pressured by a ‘duty to care’.

Key recommendations include access to a ‘care co-ordinator’ which many carers felt would help them navigate the health and care system, and improved access to good quality replacement care, and information and advice about support available locally.

This would need to recognise that not all older carers are able to access the internet.

“There are a lot of emotions involved with care, one of them is guilt because carers feel they should be doing all the looking after. They don’t feel they can ask others to step in; becoming a carer has a massive impact on relationships.” adds Mrs Whiley.

“Planning for the future is also something many carers can overlook. At Carers’ Resource we can help with this by making sure carers have plans in place should anything happen to them.”

The charity has a range of free services helping carers with managing finances and benefits and finding suitable breaks. It carries out a wellbeing review of carers' needs; and runs social groups and drop-ins.

“We urge anyone who is looking after someone, or feels they may be a carer as their loved one is gradually becoming more dependent on them, to get in touch and we’ll do all we can to lighten the load,” says Mrs Whiley.

Patricia Williams, 79, whose husband, Brian, has Parkinson’s Disease, said: “The hardest part of being a carer at my age is having to do the thinking and the organising for two. I’ve also had to take on the driving, as Brian used to do it all.

"It’s a hard role, especially when I have to keep reminding myself and him about things like his medication.”

Mrs Williams attends Carers Resource's Ilkley Carers Group.

“It’s lovely to come and talk to other carers and know that they understand what you’re going through," she said.

“Caring can be 24/7, getting out for a couple of hours can make a big difference."

Fundraising co-ordinator Anne Wells appealed for volunteers to run the group.

"It’s a great way for carers to get a break and meet others," she said.

"We hope to find someone with a few hours to spare, who likes meeting people, and arranging the occasional speaker, to take on this rewarding role.”