The
They represent an unpaid and often invisible workforce that
saves the Government a staggering £119 billion every year – more than the
Government’s entire annual NHS expenditure.
Due to the nature of their role, unpaid carers are often
exposed to higher than usual levels of physical and emotional stress which puts
their own health at risk.
Many carers help the person they care for with physical
tasks, such as getting in and out of the bed, bath or chairs. Without advice
and training in safe technique, the carer may be putting undue ‘biomechanical’
stress on their own bodies.
In addition to this, the role of carer, especially when
caring for a spouse or close family member, can create unique emotional
stresses. Both parties can struggle with issues such as dependency and loss, as
they try to adapt to the changing relationship.
Over 70% the UK
BackCare is working to help the UK’s unpaid carers with the
launch of a national campaign called ‘Caring for Carers’ during this
year’s BackCare Awareness Week (7-11th October 2013).
The week will kick off with a radio day of live interviews
on regional and national stations to raise awareness of the key issues.
BackCare will be distributing a campaign pack featuring educational materials,
including the Carer’s Guide and DVD.
The campaign is being run in collaboration with several
organisations, including Carer’s Trust, Arc Learning, Guideposts Trust, Carers
of Epsom, Action for Carers and the White Lodge Centre.
BackCare members and partners will also be running local
events up and down the country in clinics and carer centres to coordinate with
the campaign. To learn more about BackCare please visit www.backcare.org.uk, email info@backcare.org.uk or call 020 8977
5474
To find out how an Osteopath can help you visit www.chartclinic.co.uk
