'I've given up my career to care for my dad'

A mum who quit her job to care for her father and daughter has called on the government to provide better support for carers.

Rachel, 43, from Northallerton, quit her career in catering after her father, Michael, was diagnosed with terminal cancer eight years ago.

She moved into his home with her two daughters to care for him – and has warned it would cost the government a lot of money if people like her did not take on caring responsibilities.

A government spokesperson said they recognised the "immense contribution" of unpaid carers and an independent review had been launched into social care.

Rachel also looks after her two daughters, one of whom has health issues.

"If I'm not there helping out my dad and my daughters, there would be more hospital admissions and it would cost government a lot more," she said.

"I feel I couldn't take paid employment and still be a carer.

"Thankfully my dad is still with us and his condition is well managed, but his health can fluctuate quickly – that has to be my priority and I can't put that burden on an employer, it wouldn't be fair."

Rachel began caring for her dad Michael when her daughter Lillian was a newborn baby and her own mum died suddenly at the age of 61.

"At first you just go into survival mode of battling to help him stay alive, so Lillian learnt to walk on the chemo ward," she said.

"It became clear my dad had been far too well looked after. He had never used a washing machine nor had to manage a household, so I made the decision that it would be better for me to be there."

Michael, who is still able to work three days a week, said he felt fortunate to have a professional career.

He said: "We're not financially embarrassed by this, but, equally, Rachel has given up her chances of a career throughout her life.

"Hopefully that will be picked up later on. But there's no compensation from the government or acknowledgement."

According to social enterprise Carents, thousands of people across Yorkshire have cut short their careers to look after their parents.

A survey of 1,000 carers, conducted by the organisation, claimed 70% had needed to alter their jobs due to caring responsibilities.

Carents was created to support unpaid adult carers by Dr Jackie Gray.

She said: "Our figures show the staggering scale in which adults are having their careers derailed due to the their caring duties.

"It shouldn't and doesn't have to be this way, and it is vital that there is more support provided to adult carers for them to care alongside their career, rather than in place of it."

A government spokesperson said an independent review had been launched into social care to explore the needs of unpaid carers.

They said: "We recognise the immense contribution of carers who selflessly dedicate their time to supporting others.

"We want families to receive the support they deserve, which is why we have increased the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold by around an additional £2,000 a year – the biggest rise since it was introduced in 1976."

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