More than 100,000 people in Britain left their jobs last year so that they could care for a relative who has dementia.

This is the finding of research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), which conducted the study on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society. The organisation also estimated that the number of people leaving work to take on caring duties is negatively impacting businesses in the UK.

According to CEBR estimates, it’s currently costing the English economy £3.2 billion a year. By 2040 that figure is expected to increase to £6.3 billion.

The Alzheimer’s Society stressed that budget cuts are one of the main reasons why so many people are having to give up work to care for their relatives. In total, the CEBR found that 112,000 people left work altogether to become carers.

In addition, a further 147,000 people reduced their hours at work to allow them to provide care to a relative. Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, commented that the cost to businesses and the UK’s economy is only going to grow, with more people expected to suffer from some form of dementia in the coming years and still no concrete plan from the government to improve the social care system.

“It’s devastating for people with dementia, devastating for their families and carers,” Mr Hughes added.

Anyone who’s acting as a carer for a loved one with dementia should make sure that they also get time off to relax and have a break from this demanding role. Such respite can be found at Guild Care through our Bradbury Wellbeing Centre.

The Bradbury Wellbeing Centre offers an extensive and innovative programme of events, providing a safe and stimulating environment for people living with dementia whilst giving well needed respite for carers. Our Time Out services in Worthing offer carers a break by providing outings and activities for their loved ones.

Additionally, we have two care homes with dedicated facilities for those living with dementia. Haviland House is a specialist dementia nursing home in Goring, West Sussex, which is run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, whilst our Linfield House care home has a dedicated 11-bed suite.

For more information about Guild Care, please call our Customer Service Team on 01903 327327 or email [email protected].