Rising energy bills are becoming an increasing source of stress – for unpaid carers, a study has found.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of those who provide care for a loved one for free have noticed that energy bills are increasing for those they look after.
This is the second biggest cost increase for caregivers, with 77% having been hit by mounting food shop prices.
And consequently, nearly half of unpaid carers (48%) say they are now spending more time monitoring the energy use of those in their care, in a bid to keep their bills down.
The poll of 500 carers also revealed that 45% are dedicating more time to checking bill accuracy, arranging for their loved one's energy bills to be paid (41%), or sending meter readings to suppliers on their behalf (35%).
As a result, unpaid carers say that less than a third (30%) of the time they spend with those in their care is actually quality time – as they are too occupied with administrative tasks.
Other main responsibilities involved in the average week of an unpaid caregiver include making administering nine medications, making 11 cups of tea or coffee – and helping their loved one use the bathroom 12 times.
More than one in four also have to change the bedding multiple times a week, as well as making time to pick up prescriptions, or go shopping for their loved one.
And the majority (seven in 10) say they would benefit from ways to reduce the time spent doing day-to-day tasks.
Phillippa Brown, from the not-for-profit organisation Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research to highlight the benefits of smart meters, said: “Many of us know how time-consuming caregiving can be, but unpaid carers are consistently going above and beyond to help a loved one.
“Our research reveals that spending quality time with the person they care for is important to unpaid carers – but their time is being squeezed, and less than a third of their caregiving time is actually with the person they look after.”
The survey went on to find 83% report unavoidable cost increases associated with their caregiving are causing extra stress.
Nearly one in six (16%) claim their costs have risen by up to £200 per month, with some reporting a rise of up to £400, according to the OnePoll figures.
Phillippa added: “We want to shine a light on the small ways getting a smart meter installed for someone else could give carers some time back.
“Having a smart meter means no more poking around under the stairs or up a ladder trying to take and submit a meter reading, as readings are sent automatically.
“They also provide accurate bills, not estimates, so unpaid carers can spend less time sorting out energy admin, and more time with the person they look after.”
Joe, 30, from Leeds, cares for his mother-in-law, and sees this as an opportunity to “give back”.
Since she’s had a new boiler installed, Joe has been helping out with her home’s energy efficiency to keep bills down.
He said: “Having a caring relationship with my mother-in-law, official or not, it's really rewarding to give something back to someone.”
Madeleine Starr MBE, from Carers UK, said: “Supporting loved ones who are older, disabled or seriously ill, unpaid carers often have a long list of practical and administrative tasks they need to get through each month, when they would rather be spending quality time with their loved ones.
“Within this long list, arranging and paying for bills can be an additional source of stress.”
