Leading care for older carers
Three in five of us will be carers at some point. For many these responsibilities will occur in older age. I regularly care for patients being cared for by older people. They can have a range of caring duties that are sometimes complex and arduous.
While the carers I meet often find their role rewarding, they face challenges.
The ‘Healthy Caring Guide’ estimates 1.2 million UK carers – many caring full time – are over 65.
The Carers UK ‘Valuing Carers 2015’ report said an estimated 5.7 million carers were providing unpaid care. These figures have been recognised in recent legislation.
Several policies have ensured new statutory duties to support carers: The Care Act (2014), Commitment to Carers (2014), Five Year Forward View (2014) and Commissioning for Carers (2016).
These drivers are encouraging
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