Love Your Weekends Again
Caring duties are costing British families 84 million hours of weekend leisure time every week.
Research we commissioned revealed how caring responsibilities are leaving families with less time to enjoy weekends together, pursue hobbies and maintain relationships.
The research is in support of the wider ‘Love Your Weekend’ campaign through our sponsorship of ITV’s Love Your Weekend.
Conducted by YouGov, the survey found that 41% of family carers spend more time providing care than enjoying leisure activities with the loved one they support, while 44% say caring has affected their relationship with that person.
Family carers facing pressure
The research also found that 38% of family carers rarely get time for themselves at the weekend, compared with just 24% of family carers who also receive professional care.
With so little time to themselves, around half (51%) of family carers say they would pursue hobbies if they had more free time, highlighting the sacrifices many make to support those closest to them.
The research also highlights the positive difference additional support can make. Almost half (46%) of family carers who receive professional care say it reduces stress for the whole family, while nearly a third (31%) say it gives them time to recharge.
Ruth Brown, MD of Home Instead UK & Ireland, says: “Family carers do an incredible job, often quietly and without recognition, but caring for someone you love can become all-consuming. Our research shows that many families are sacrificing valuable weekend time together because caring responsibilities leave little opportunity to simply enjoy each other’s company.
“I want to reassure families that support is out there, in the form of professional care, charities and community groups who can ensure that your loved one gets the help they need. By finding the right support close to home, families can ease the pressure of caring and create more space to enjoy their relationship with their loved one again.”
Home Instead hopes the findings encourage families to seek support where they need it, creating more opportunities to spend meaningful time together.