Carers Research

To ensure that the research was manageable, we started with four Carer Research Working Groups (RWG’s), one each to manage the North, South, East and West/Central Birmingham.  Each group was trained in consultation skills to enable them to conduct the research, As Carers where conducting research on Carers, the project had ‘the experts’ on board at all times to ensure a maximum response.

Now that the research is completed the four groups have now amalgamated and organised the Opening Doors Event and manage the ‘Key for Carers Award Scheme.’

The main method of research used was questionnaires, 3000 were sent out to Carers using mailing lists form partnership organisations such as Birmingham Carers Association, Birmingham Carers Support Services and Headway.  Two hundred and seventy five (275) were returned and, considering the main outcome - ‘lack of time’, we felt this was a very good response.  Other methods were ‘desktop research’ and ‘group activities’. 

Through the research we found that there are already a number of existing TELA providers who could be accessed by Carers citywide, we discovered that the main reasons for Carers not attending were lack of time, care cover, money and flexibility.  Of the Carers who participated in the research almost 60% expressed that they wanted or needed TELA’s, if this figure were typical of ‘all carers’ this would be the equivalent to over 6000 people in Birmingham or 3 million in England and Wales.

Information for Carers also needs to be made more available in the right quantities, currently, Carers can experience either a lack of information or ‘information overload’.  It had been proposed to have ‘Carers Corners’ in doctors’ surgeries to help to overcome this barrier however, most GP’s were unable to participate.  The problem remains.

As 80% of Carers have health problems of their own, it was not surprising that a large number of the Carers who responded would like to participate in some form of exercise such as swimming or attending the local Gym.  Exercise on prescription has occasionally (further) exasperated this problem in that it has often been offered but without additional support needed (such as respite) being put in place to enable them to attend.  

Another aspect of Caring that was discovered was the overwhelming need for the opportunity for socialisation to assist in overcoming the isolation that can often be attached to the role of Carer and, as Carers experience high rates of depressive symptoms, this puts many at serious risk of poor physical heath (Family Caregiver Alliance). By tackling depression through (for example) socialisation Carers could be better equipped to look after themselves as effectively as they look after others.

As ‘everyone’ will either be a Carer or need care at some point in their lives, decision makers in both public and private sectors need to begin to come to grips with the growing issues facing our country … how to sustain those who are the ‘backbone’ of our long term care system – non-paid Carers.  In the light of the new Carers Act, we need to implement change and lead the way forward to help satisfy the needs of over 10% of our community and around 8% of our workforce. 

After all, we will all benefit, so why wait until you are ‘personally’ involved and too tired to rise to the existing challenges of caregiving – help us to help you

Watch this space for the research outcomes