Carers need help not just to look after loved ones, but also to cope with the aftermath of their caregiving coming to an end, the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC-UK) said.

People, often the elderly, who give up a caring role to which they have devoted much of their lives often suffer from depression.

The report urges Government, councils and support organisations to do more to help carers visit the people they cared for if they have moved into residential care, and also to provide extra support if they are dealing with bereavement.

There are almost 1.3 million carers over the age of 65 in the UK. A long-term care role often leads to a decline in quality of life and happiness, the report said, and problems can persist or even become worse when people cease to be carers.

Helen Creighton, from ILC-UK said: “Carers give so much of their time to helping someone else and, quite rightly, the focus is often on the person who is in need of care.

“However, when their caregiving responsibilities end it is essential carers are not just abandoned. Local authorities need to do more to help ex-carers make connections in their community and may want to consider setting up forums where ex-carers can come together to support one another.”