Many carers in Ireland are stressed, exhausted and isolated and have health problems themselves, a new survey has found.

Some 121 carers took part in the online survey. Most were aged between 31 and 60 and the majority of people being cared for were either over 60 or under 18.

Among the carers, almost three in four said that they were more stressed now compared to one year ago. However, almost half said that they were too embarrassed to tell anyone they were stressed.

The participants, all members of the Carers Association of Ireland, were also asked to rate their levels of stress, with five being the most stressful. Almost 27% rated their stress level at five, while nearly half rated it at four.

Meanwhile, many of the carers admitted that they themselves had health problems. At least half said they had a specific illness, but almost two in three said they were worried about their health.

Furthermore, the vast majority got less than seven hours of sleep per night.

Almost one in three admitted that they have no support in their caring role, while 40% have another family member to help. Only around one in five were receiving help from a home help or nurse.

When it came to a life outside of the caring role, many admitted they had little or none. Almost 60% had not had a holiday in the last year, while one in five said they never or rarely socialised outside the home.

According to Catherine Cox of the Carers Association, these findings tie in with what the association is hearing from carers every day.

"Carers are stressed, isolated and many are suffering from exhaustion from the burden of their caring role. Carers often ignore their own health and wellbeing because their focus is on their loved ones who require care," she explained.

The survey was carried out by HSF Health Plan between October 31 and November 2.