Our response to the government's new carers' strategy

In response to the government's new carers' strategy published today, Age UK's Charity Director, Michelle Mitchell, said:

'By recognising that support services for carers should enable them to have a life outside of caring, this new strategy is certainly a step in the right direction. We are very pleased that more support has been promised to working-age carers, who often risk poverty in later life by giving up work to care for their loved ones. But the government must ensure that older carers are fully included in the roll-out of these plans.

'Older carers save the economy around £15 billion a year but in doing so often make great personal and financial sacrifices, with many suffering health problems exacerbated by the pressures of caring. Spending cuts and demographic change mean that fewer and fewer older people are qualifying for local authority support, resulting in more older people having to provide constant care for their loved ones. Whilst most people accept this additional responsibility as part of loving someone, it is nonetheless a hugely demanding role which can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. The government must address the needs of this often isolated and overlooked group by ensuring they receive the financial, practical and emotional support they deserve.'

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Notes to Editors

Age UK's new 'Invisible but Invaluable' campaign is calling on the government, NHS and local authorities to deliver more support for older carers. For more information on the campaign, please contact Helen Spinney in the Age UK media team by phone: 020 8765 7502 or email helen.spinney@ageuk.org.uk.

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. please contact the appropriate national office:

• Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055
• Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562
• Age NI on 028 9024 5729

The government's new carers' strategy can be found on the Department of Health's website

Media contact: Helen Spinney/ Lizzie Webster
Phone: 020 8765 7502
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243