Marvin OnumonuUnpaid carers in England say they are not getting the support they need from the NHS, according to the latest Carers UK State of Caring Survey.
The research found 51% of unpaid carers said they needed more support in 2025, up from 42% in 2023.
Only 14% of unpaid carers said they were asked about their ability to provide care when a family member or friend was discharged from hospital.
Just 18% said they felt confident any feedback or complaint about a health or social care service would be acted on.
Additionally, the report showed 65% of unpaid carers felt overwhelmed because they could not take a break, while 66% needed more support with their own health and wellbeing.
Carers UK found carers were more confident about using technology such as the NHS App, and wanted more digital tools to help reduce paperwork and get information.
44% of carers said the person they cared for had an emergency admission or unplanned hospital visit in the last year, and 31% said more NHS services at home would have prevented this.
Most carers preferred care closer to home, but 44% were worried this would increase their responsibilities unless they got more support.
Many wanted better joined-up working between health and social care services.
Helen Walker, CEO at Carers UK, said: “Unpaid carers really value the NHS, but they want to see better recognition of the importance of their role.
“Put simply, our current health and care system would collapse without carers’ support.
“We are really worried about the growing number of carers struggling with their own health due to the enormous pressures they are under.”
Walker added: “In cases where carers without support reach breaking point, the NHS often ends up having to look after two people, rather than one, with significant associated costs.
“Given the value of carers’ support to the NHS, which often comes at a cost to their own health and wellbeing, it’s not too much to ask to ensure that they are identified and supported.
“We need a culture change from the NHS towards carers which is rooted in law and delivered consistently through practice.”
She said: “From what carers tell us, many of the challenges they face are preventable with better information sharing, integrated services and investment in social care – preventing unplanned emergency admissions which are often hugely stressful.
“We see significant potential for technology such as the NHS app and the planned My Carer function to assist and empower unpaid carers to care safely and well.
“Why wouldn’t the NHS take this opportunity to put carers are the heart of the delivery of their services?”
She added: “There must be a shift in thinking – one that sees unpaid carers as essential partners without whom the NHS cannot succeed.”
