Carers UK has published a new report detailing the experiences of former carers – those who have previously had an unpaid caring role for an older, disabled or seriously ill relative or friend.

The research included a survey of almost 1,000 people who used to have a caring role, as well as in depth interviews with nine former carers.

Key findings:

• A third (35%) of former carers stated that their mental health had got worse since their caring role ended, with some carers saying they were struggling with feelings of guilt, sadness or loneliness.
• A significant proportion (20%) of carers said they were struggling to make ends meet after their caring role ended, and 35% that their financial situation had got worse since caring. 
• Former carers also said that more support would have been beneficial when their caring role ended, including support with bereavement and support with resuming paid employment. 57% of former carers said that support to help them cope with the loss of the person they care for would have been helpful, while 47% said support to cope with loneliness and to reconnect with family and friends would have been helpful.