Unpaid carers in Caithness put in 28 hours per week to support loved ones – carers champion Jo Whiley reveals ways to help
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Research conducted reveals that the most common type of unpaid care work for carers is for tasks like grocery shopping and house cleaning.
It also shows that half of unpaid carers in Scotland also handle bills and other payments for someone else, with 8 in 10 actively helping them to save money whenever possible. And as the energy crisis continues to affect the households, particularly vulnerable customers, this added support could be a vital lifeline for many.
On average Scottish people are putting in 28 hours per week on top of their own work to help out and 1 in 10 reported that they spend over 50 hours or more helping someone each week, far exceeding the time spent at the average full-time job.
Despite the incredible time commitment, carers are remaining positive, with almost two-thirds finding caring for a friend or relative the most rewarding thing that they have ever done. And in Scotland, more than 8 in 10 carers have pledged to make even more of an effort to give care or support to someone they know.
With so many doing so much to help others, taking small things off the to do list could make a big difference to these dedicated people. Smart Energy GB and Carers UK have come up with a list of life hacks such as requesting a smart meter to make household budgeting easier, to help those looking for ways to streamline their to do list.
Having a smart meter installed for the person you look after means meter readings are sent to energy suppliers automatically and bills are always accurate – a little life hack for those in the know.
Well known for her work championing those who give and receive care and with experience of looking after her sister Frances who has learning difficulties, legendary broadcaster Jo Whiley has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to explore some of the simple things that can benefit both caregivers and those they care for. View the full list at smartenergyGB.org
Jo Whiley said: “Caring for someone can be simultaneously one of the most fulfilling things you could ever do, but also one of the most challenging.
“I’ve teamed up with Smart Energy GB to help highlight some quick and easy ways to save time and effort, so carers in Scotland can worry a little less about their to do list and spend more time doing what really matters – enjoying being with the ones they love.
“Getting a smart meter installed for the person you look after is just one of these life hacks, as it means meter readings are sent automatically to energy suppliers and you don’t need to do it for them. It’s a really simple thing that many people in that situation don’t realise could help you both.”
The handy in-home display which comes with a smart meter will show how much energy is used in near-real time, which can be especially helpful when budgeting during the winter months.
Contact your energy supplier to request a smart meter at no extra cost or visit smartenergygb.org
