Elderly Carers: the Need for Appropriate Intervention

The literature on caring and carers has tended to emphasise the care of aged parents by middle-aged daughters. A recent government survey, however, has drawn attention to the fact that a substantial proportion of all carers are themselves elderly. This paper focuses on elderly carers. It shows that at least a third of elderly people can expect to become carers during retirement. Elderly carers differ from younger carers in that they: care for shorter periods; are more likely to provide intimate personal care and heavy nursing tasks associated with terminal care; and to be caring for their most significant other, usually a spouse. It is suggested that elderly carers represent a sub-group of carers with special needs not necessarily met by present service provision. Some more appropriate interventions are suggested.