Key Summary
- Six in ten caregivers neglect their own health
- Pharmacists can help improve carers’ wellbeing
- Campaign raises awareness of unpaid carers’ challenges
A recent study has revealed that more than half of UK caregivers believe that their profession has weakened their physical and mental health.
The “Caring for Caregivers Week” awareness campaign, from October 24th to 30th led by Arlene Phillips and Julie Robinson in collaboration with Lanes Health, prioritises the physical and emotional well-being of caregivers.
The event focuses on the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid caregivers struggling in silence.
A new study by Lanes Health, observing 501 self-defined caregivers, stated that six out of ten caregivers neglect their own health to serve others and feel guilty for taking care of themselves when needed.
An estimated 58 per cent of them also miss significant events in their lives like birthdays and weddings, adding to their emotional distress.
Experts emphasised the crucial role of pharmacists in helping caregivers overcome this struggle.
They are the most accessible healthcare professionals who can understand the caregivers better.
“The campaign aims to raise awareness of the physical and emotional challenges carers face and highlight practical options, such as GOPO® Joint Health, that pharmacists can recommend to help manage physical demands and promote well-being,” commented Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, senior product manager of GOPO® Joint Health at Lanes Health.
GOPO® Joint Health with the natural galactolipid GOPO® was introduced by Lanes Health, after multiple clinical trials involving more than 400 patients with chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Eight in ten participants of the clinical trial showcased impressive improvements.
Julie Robinson, optimal ageing expert and founder of the evidence-based nationally recognised fitness initiative Move It or Lose It, said “Over a third of carers (35 per cent) report fatigue or poor sleep, nearly a third (31 per cent) feel anxious or stressed, and 27 per cent experience back, joint or muscle pain.”
“Almost three-quarters (77 per cent) recognise that prioritising their well-being is essential to continue caring long-term, and 65 per cent worry that neglecting themselves will make caregiving even harder.”
She added, “Supporting carers isn’t just vital for families – it’s crucial for society, given the value of unpaid care in England and Wales is £162 billion.”
“Notably, back, joint and muscle pain is an issue for many carers, and I have long been an advocate for GOPO® Joint Health, which helps keep my knees strong so I can continue dancing and moving freely after years of damage,” remembered TV presenter and choreographer, Arlene Phillips who shared her experience of caring for her father with Alzheimer’s.
“My hope is that ‘Caring for Caregivers Week’ will help to raise awareness for the incredible work that unpaid carers do.”
“And, at the same time, encourage them to take positive action to improve their own physical and emotional well-being,” she said.
