Understanding the Role of an Unpaid Caregiver

What Does It Mean to Be an Unpaid Caregiver?

Unpaid caregiving often arises from love or compassion for others. It can involve anyone, but typically includes a family member, friend, or neighbour who provides regular help and support to another person without compensation.

People may need assistance for various reasons, including:

• Illness or injury

• Long-term health conditions

• Disabilities

• Age-related frailty

• Mental health issues

  
  

The help can begin with small acts of kindness, such as grocery shopping, driving someone to an appointment, or assisting with household chores. However, as circumstances change, the need for support may grow. This can lead to more regular and long-term care, potentially requiring round-the-clock assistance. Responsibilities can expand to include personal care, managing finances, handling paperwork, and offering emotional support.

You don’t have to live with the person or be in the local area to be an unpaid caregiver; long-distance caregiving is also common. While the challenges may differ, the emotional and financial costs remain significant.

Why Identifying Unpaid Carers Matters

Recognising unpaid carers is crucial. Many do not identify themselves as carers, making them invisible within formal systems. Yet, their role is essential for the wellbeing of individuals and the sustainability of health and social care services.

• Many carers miss out on vital support and resources, such as respite services, because they don’t self-identify.

• Early identification allows for preventive interventions, such as health checks and emotional support, which can reduce long-term strain on both carers and the NHS.

• Carers often neglect their own health. If they become unable to care, the person they support may experience a rapid decline without proper arrangements.

• Recognising carers enables better coordination among health and social care teams, especially during hospital discharges or care transitions.

• It ensures that carers are consulted in care planning, leading to safer and more effective outcomes for those being cared for.

• Identification helps reduce stigma and isolation for those who may feel overlooked or unsupported.

  
  

The Real Cost of Unpaid Care

Unpaid carers often struggle to prioritise their own needs, leading to serious health concerns across physical, emotional, and financial dimensions.

Physical Wellbeing

Carers may find it challenging to keep up with their own routine appointments, such as visits to the dentist or optician. It is common for them to skip meals, neglect exercise, or lose sleep due to their caregiving responsibilities.

Emotional Wellbeing

Becoming a carer can reshape a person’s identity, relationships, and mental health. Many carers feel isolated, overwhelmed, and anxious, often withdrawing from social interactions due to a lack of support.

Financial Wellbeing

Carers may reduce their working hours or even give up paid employment entirely, as caregiving becomes a full-time responsibility. Not being prepared to manage the person's estate or benefits can also impact what equipment and resources are available for both the carer and the person they support.

My Story

One of the reasons I left my corporate career in 2024 and started my own business in 2025 was to support myself as an unpaid carer. My mother's health had been declining for five years since Covid, and I recognised the need to be more actively involved in advocating for her care. I did not realise until this year just how much of my life I had spent as an unpaid caregiver and the true cost of providing unpaid support to others.

My caregiving journey began in my mid-twenties when my father was diagnosed with cancer. At that time, my mother left her full-time job to care for him. Living away from home, I assumed that the right care and support were easy to obtain. However, it was only towards the end of my father's life that I truly understood the physical, emotional, and financial toll this had taken on both my parents. During the first six months of grieving for my father, my mother struggled to recuperate, and I feared I might lose her as well.

Fast forward to just a few years ago, and my mother's health declined further. Being a long-distance unpaid caregiver meant I had to advocate not only for her but also for myself. It took over 18 months of persistent communication with various services and organisations before a formal diagnosis was made and the right care was provided.

Reflecting on my experience, I realise that while I was actively involved in my mother's care over the last 1.5 years, I had actually been an unpaid caregiver in one form or another for over 20 years. My role has not ended just because my mother is receiving the right care. Knowing she is being cared for by professionals allows me to take the time and space I need to ensure my own health, so I can be there when it truly matters.

The Importance of Support for Unpaid Caregivers

It is essential to recognise the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers. Many take on this role out of a sense of obligation, fearing judgment from others if they seek help. This can lead to feelings of resentment and unwellness, as they put their own lives, goals, and dreams on hold.

More needs to be done to support unpaid caregivers. It is time for society to acknowledge their value and ensure that the correct resources are in place to support their wellbeing. Caregivers should feel truly seen and heard.

In conclusion, the journey of an unpaid caregiver is often fraught with challenges. By recognising and supporting these individuals, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society.