Written evidence submitted by the Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Survey (ASC0029) [House of Commons. Health and Social Care Committee. Adult social care reform: the cost of inaction inquiry]

Summary

We have identified research which uses Understanding Society data which is relevant to the Committee’s questions on:
* the impact of inaction on patients and the public / how people’s lives might change with social care reform

* where is the cost of inaction felt the most

* the contribution of adult social care to the economy.

Summary:

* Unpaid carers are at greater risk of being in poverty

* Almost all caregivers report worse mental health than non-caregivers

* Carers have a lower level of subjective wellbeing compared with non-carers

* Local authority spending on care reduces the wellbeing difference

* The physical health of unpaid carers deteriorates over time

* Carers are ageing, and care remains classed and gendered

* Inaction is felt most by older people, women, and/or those with lower socioeconomic status

* The number of carers in the UK may have been significantly underestimated

* Unpaid care saves government an estimated £23 billion a year