Summary
THREE-QUARTERS of carers say of they have reached breaking point in the struggle to look after relatives. It is an appalling statistic that must be used to secure more support for the millions of people who suffer poverty and isolation because of their dedication to others. What is even more shocking, however, is that we don't know exactly how many carers there are. It is estimated that there are six million in the UK. What is certain is that their number is growing as people with disabilities live longer than they once did.
For a society that likes to think it is inclusive, however, we have been extraordinarily blinkered when it comes to the needs of carers. There have been many welcome steps forward: legal requirements for wheelchair access to buildings, the provision of sign-language interpreters and audio aids for the deaf, greater recognition of the needs of people with learning disabilities and specific conditions such as autism. These are all invaluable in enabling many people to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.See the full content of this document
Extract
Struggling to cope More support must be found for carers
The reality of life behind closed doors for people with disabilities and serious chronic illnesses, however, remain...
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