Report: “I can’t make them accept help”
The experience of unpaid carers across BathNES, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW), when someone they are caring for refuses to accept help that could benefit them.
What people told us
- 92% of respondents to our survey said they felt overwhelmed because of their caring role.
- Carers described needing to have their phone on alert all the time, always needing a full tank of petrol in their car and always being prepared to drop things they are doing to support the person they care for.
- They also told us about having to give up hobbies or opportunities to socialise so that the person they care for would not be alone.
- Carers reported feeling a duty to care as there is no one else who is willing to. Many have lost their sense of identity and feel like they do not have control over their own lives.
Download our full report below.
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Report: “I can’t make them accept help”
My needs come last. There is no one to take care of things if I stop. It just gets worse.
Examples of rejecting care
- Rejecting attending appointments
- Rejecting taking medication
- Rejecting engaging with services e.g. mental health services, cancer screening
- Self-neglecting behaviours e.g. not changing clothes, not washing, and living in unsanitary conditions.
Carers also raised the issues of not being involved in decision making, a lack of control over decisions such as sectioning, and the cost of caring.
Our recommendations and next steps
- Enhancing respite support
- Improving accessibility of support services
- Diversifying support activities
- Providing legal guidance
- Raising awareness of the carer role
- Standardising emergency care protocols
- A more nuanced approach to safeguarding and carer involvement
- Mandatory training for local authorities and enforcement bodies
Share your experience of being a carer with us. Click the pink 'talk to us' button below and complete our online feedback form.
