Carers in Leeds live in constant worry

Caring for an elderly relative is taking a hidden toll on families across Leeds, according to new research from Sentai - the UK technology company behind a conversational AI companion for older adults.

The study found that (29 per cent) of carers live in constant worry when they are not with the person they care for, while 42 per cent say they have never accessed any form of support, despite 38 per cent acknowledging that delays can worsen health conditions or increase the risk of a fall.

The national survey of 2,000 UK adults has uncovered the emotional strain behind the UK’s growing care crisis.

Whether as a family member supporting an elderly loved one or as a professional carer, caring does not just take time; it takes a mental toll.

For many families, this anxiety is compounded by the worry that an elderly loved one living alone might fall. In fact, this is the biggest concern for almost half (41 per cent) of Leeds.

Sentai’s findings mirror national trends. Broader UK research shows that more than three quarters of those who identify as carers (79 per cent) feel stressed or anxious, nearly half (49 per cent) feel depressed, and half (50 per cent) report loneliness.

Despite the worry, many are still delaying vital support. This gap between knowledge and action is reflected with more than 1.1 million emergency hospital admissions among people aged 65+ in England in 2023/24 classified as potentially avoidable through earlier intervention2.

Crucially, the reasons for delay are rooted not in practicality but emotion. Almost one in two families (49 per cent) say the biggest barrier is that the older person resists help, a resistance fuelled by fears of losing independence (54 per cent) or becoming a burden to others (55%). These fears create a delicate balancing act for families who are torn between stepping in early and protecting the dignity of someone they love.

The result is a silent form of caregiving stress. Families are not just managing medication or mobility - they are grappling with the fear of falls, sudden illness, or even long periods of loneliness when they cannot be there. With loneliness now recognised as a major health concern in later life, costing the nation £31.35 billion each year3, this emotional backdrop has become as pressing as any physical risk.

As these pressures build, the strain on families extends well beyond the emotional. Around 5.8 million people in the UK now act as unpaid carers5, many of them of working age and juggling employment alongside daily caregiving responsibilities. Their contribution is valued at approximately £184 billion each year5, highlighting not only the essential role families play in supporting older adults but also the significant, often hidden, impact this has on individuals, workplaces and the wider economy.

Paul Statham, CEO of Sentai, said:“Behind every older person living at home, there is often a son, daughter or partner carrying invisible anxiety, and it is far more pervasive than most people realise.

"Our research shows that families are not just worried about practical risks like falls - they are living with continual uncertainty, questioning whether they are doing the right thing and whether they are acting soon enough. This delay in seeking support is one of the most common and most damaging patterns we see.

“At Sentai, we speak to families every day who are trying to balance independence with safety, and dignity with peace of mind.

"That is exactly why we developed our AI companion, not to replace human care but to bridge the gap between visits, to give families continuous reassurance, and to offer a friendly voice in the room for their loved ones.

"Technology has a vital role to play in prevention, and the sooner families adopt the right support, the better the outcomes for everyone involved.”

Anne Hanscomb, who cares for her father full time and has implemented Sentai in her father’s home echoed the sentiment, stating: “It’s really hard to juggle your own life and that of a loved one.

"The to do list just keeps getting longer and more mundane. Having Sentai to share the load and have a chat with dad whilst also marking things off on a checklist you’ve created for it is very helpful.

"It means that I can have a conversation with dad without having to worry if I have missed something important because I know Sentai will prompt him at the right moment and will update me at a time that is convenient for me.”

She added: "The data paints a clear picture - Leeds families know the risks, feel the strain, and yet still wait until a fall, crisis or moment of panic before action."