My husband and I are not typical empty nesters. True, we have a daughter of 27 and a son of 23, but Archie has a learning disability and autism so he will never live independently. He requires constant attention and all our energy to manage his behaviour. Evenings and weekends are full on for us as he needs his exercise (usually swimming or a hike) meals, medication and bathing- none of which he can manage himself without support. We liken it to having a 23-year-old toddler Tigger bouncing about the house.

Now in our late fifties, with a wee bit more disposable income, we can’t help but be envious as our peers pop down to the pub, disappear off in their campers or go on a city break. An evening out or a holiday for us takes meticulous planning and come with the extra anxiety of whether the wonderful paid carers, without whom we couldn’t survive, will cope with him while we are not there.

My husband and I have vowed to keep Archie living at home with us as long as we are able. We hope that this will be for very many years to come. I took early retirement from teaching to care for him when he left school. I supplement my reduced Teacher’s Pension with Carer’s Support Payment. Without that, in this cost-of-living crisis, I may have to return to work and we would have to strongly consider putting Archie in full-time residential care.

Scotland’s 800,000 Unpaid Carers, like myself, save the Scottish Government an estimated £18 billion. We have an aging population and without us the already overwhelmed Social Care sector would implode. Yet it may surprise some to learn that once we are in receipt of State Pension that Carer’s Support Payment (and Carers’ Allowance south of the border) STOPS. Simply put both are classed as benefits.

But caring doesn’t STOP at 67 so why should we STOP getting a little extra money?

I was proud to represent the Scottish Liberal Democrats at several Carers’ Hustings during the Scottish Elections. Sir Ed Davey and Wendy Chamberlain MP have done much to highlight the need to support all Britain’s carers. Our daughter was a young carer, and I am relieved that they are getting more support with their education and meaningful respite breaks away from caring and learning.

We now need to turn our attention to supporting Scotland and Britain’s older carers. Many continue caring, like us, due to through love and dedication to their vulnerable loved ones. We will still be attending to all Archie’s needs. We won’t STOP caring for him.

But it’s not just about getting meaningful breaks away from caring and our physical and mental health. It’s about valuing us and recognising our contribution to society.

Not stopping carers’ benefits at 67 will go some way to doing this.

* Amanda Clark is an unpaid Carer and member of Perth and Kinross Lib Dems