Data from the Census in 2001 found that carers are a third more likely to be in poor health than non carers. The more recent Scottish Household Survey found that 12% of carers reported that they were in poor health. This increases to 18% for those caring for 20 hours or more each week. 12% of people termed in the Scottish Household Survey as “economically inactive” providing care also consider themselves to be permanent sick or disabled. Building on this evidence, this survey by Carers Scotland reports on: · the nature of the self reported levels of ill · health amongst carers · the prevalence of long term conditions · the impact of general practice /primary health in supporting carers health and well being.
