Lack of support for carers costs UK billions

17 August 2011

A lack of support for carers is costing the UK billions of pounds each year according to a new report from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care.

Using evidence from randomised controlled trials and peer reviewed journals, the report, Supporting carers: the case for change, shows shows that increasing support for carers not only improves the health and wellbeing of patients but also improves the health and wellbeing of carers. It also reduces unwanted admissions, readmissions and delayed discharges in hospital settings as well as reducing unwanted residential care admissions and length of stays.

The report also includes examples of services such as carers breaks, counselling and training that have shown success in helping carers maintain their health and quality of life and that of the person they care for.

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