Most unpaid carers are not being asked about their ability or willingness to care when a loved one is discharged from hospital, a new survey has revealed.
The State of Caring report 2024-2025, published by Crossroads and the Department of Health and Social Care, found that 68% of carers disagreed that they had been asked about their capacity to care during the discharge process.
One carer told researchers: “There is no compassion, understanding or care about carers. I feel like I don’t exist. I am doing the job of care and yet I am invisible.”
Another added: “I have not been given all the information and support required to make decisions in the future.”
While 45% of carers agreed they were involved in discharge decisions, an increase from 36% in 2022 , 37% still disagreed. Only 15% said they were asked about their ability and willingness to care.
Nearly three in five respondents (58%) said they did not receive sufficient services to protect the health and wellbeing of the person they cared for, as well as their own health.
When asked if they felt under no pressure to care and felt fully prepared and supported, 62% disagreed. Just 17% agreed.
The survey gathered responses from 370 carers.