MORE than one in ten of the population in Warwickshire are registered as unpaid carers – but the real figure could be nearly double that say health chiefs.
Currently some 59,000 people are registered as carers in the county, 11 per cent of the population, and the figure is expected to rise to 64,000 by 2021.
But South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – which provides local healthcare services such as GPs – believes the actual number of carers is much higher and could currently be closer to 108,000,
They say many carers – most which are believed to be over 65-years-old – have not told their doctor they look after someone else.
South Warwickshire GP and CCG member Dr Karen Clarke is urging carers who have not registered to contact their GP practice.
She said: “It’s important to remember that the best way to support the person that you’re caring for is to keep yourself fit and healthy. Your GP can give you advice on how you can stay well and help to connect you to other useful carer support services and sources of information.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers to find out more.
