Mind The Gap- Understanding the needs of South Asian unpaid Carers in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead

Summary

Frimley Health and Care, Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have secured funding to further understand and assess the needs of South Asian Carers in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and have approached Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead to undertake this work. Healthwatch were commissioned by RBWM to undertake engagement work in early 2022. 

We heard from 28 unpaid south Asian Carers in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead.

• The majority of carers (70%+) are caring for adults and over 50% defined the cared for as a family member.​

• The majority of unpaid carers are women (86%)​

• The majority of unpaid carers are over the age of 50​

• Over 50% of unpaid carers have not registered as a carer with their GP.​

• Over 50% of unpaid carers have not had a local authority carers assessment undertaken.​

• Over 86% of unpaid carers report that they are unable to access carer support services.​

• Unpaid carers told us that where they don’t access support services, this is because: ​

• There is limited information available to carers of what support is available and/or that information is not reaching them​

• Where unpaid carers are aware of services available, they are unable to access due to issues such as, lack of respite and travel costs. ​

• It could also be interpreted that unpaid carer don’t understand the definition of “carers support services” especially as many don’t define themselves as unpaid carers.