ABSTRACT

Informal care is provided by both men and women, of all age-groups and within and outside the family. Employment rates among carers vary, and are influenced by a variety of factors, including the age and health of the carer, the needs of the user and the availability of assistance from informal support networks and formal services. Co-resident carers were asked how long they had been living with the user. For most, co-residency was a long-standing arrangement. Older carers are also more likely to be looking after someone with a cognitive impairment, although the differences are less marked. There is a significant body of literature relating to the mental health of carers, focusing primarily on concepts such as burden and stress. A carer's ability to assist the user is restricted if his or her own health is poor. This is particularly the case if the carer suffers from any limiting or long-standing illness.