Carers hit hard by cutbacks

Some 82% of carers say they have been affected by cutbacks in the health budget and almost a quarter say the overburden of work has left them with physical disabilities.

The figures were revealed in a 'Prime Time Investigates' programme last night showing the impact of budget cuts on those who look after their relatives at home.

A significant number of carers reported suffering from anxiety and depression.

"Many said these (cutbacks) have affected them profoundly," said Catherine Cox , Communications Manager with the Carers Association.

"Carers talked about their own health suffering, they talked about hardships such as poverty, many talked about literally living on the breadline as a result of the financial and the health cutbacks."