The number of carers aged 85 and over in England has risen by a staggering 128% in ten years to more than 87,000, according to a new report published by two national charities.  

Recent estimates suggest this number will grow to more than 200,000 carers in this age group by 2030.

The analysis, carried out by Carers UK and Age UK, also showed that over half (55%) of carers over 85 were caring for loved ones for 50 or more hours each week.
 
In the report Caring into Later Life , the charities said the majority of carers over 65 are looking after a partner as older couples try and manage living at home, leaning on each other for support with little or no outside help.
 
The care these people provide is estimated to be worth over £15 billion each year. However, despite the rapid growth in older carers, fewer of them are being offered support.

The number of carers aged 75 and over being offered services to help them cope after an assessment of their needs has fallen by 9% since 2006/7 at the same time as demand is growing from people caring into old age.

Carers UK and Age UK are calling for immediate action to support the growing number of people caring in later life after nearly half (48%) of carers over 85, who are providing 20 or more hours of care a week, said they feel anxious or depressed.

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “This report shines a light on the vital care that older people are providing, often behind closed doors. Now action is needed to ensure that older carers have the support they need so they don’t have to care alone.”
 
Age UK’s Charity Director, Caroline Abrahams, added: “Important new duties in the Care Act have the potential to improve support for older carers but sufficient and sustainable funding for health and care services is urgently needed to reverse the worrying trend of fewer older carers receiving social care services.”