Eight out of 10 disabled people and their carers are worried about the future

Eight out of 10 disabled people and their carers are worried about their future, according to a new study by a charity that offers nurse-led respite care.

The study by disabled people’s charity Revitalise, found half the respondents were very worried or said they had 'never been so worried' about their prospects.

The top fears listed were reduced opportunities for respite, getting less statutory help and ending up alone and in one place.

In addition, a third of disabled people and two-thirds of their carers said their experience of giving and receiving care had been better in the past.

Meanwhile a third of respondents said they had no idea how they would make ends meet in future and a quarter said they were scared to speak about their situation for fear of repercussions.

Revitalise provides short breaks for disabled people and their carers with 24-hour nurse-led care on call at three centres in England.

They have called for more respite opportunities for disabled people and their carers.

The charity’s chief executive Chris Simmonds said: ‘For many disabled people and carers, the support they receive is an absolute lifeline, enabling them to maintain an adequate quality of life and make a meaningful contribution to society.

'But our survey has revealed that disabled people and carers have very little confidence that they will continue to receive the support they need into the future.'

Mr Simmonds added that good quality respite breaks for disabled people and their carers should be considered essential.

The research was conducted by an online survey of 145 disabled people and 65 unpaid carers between November and December.