The wider dyadic impact of social care (DYADS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The dyadic wider impact of social care for older carers and the people they support (DYADS)
IRAS ID
281639
Contact name
Stacey Rand
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Support provided by family/friend carers is a vital part of care for people with dependency needs. Most carers are of working age, however, carers aged 65 years and older are the fastest growing group. These older carers make up at least 20% of the seven million carers in the UK.
Like all carers, older carers may find some aspects of caring are rewarding and positive. However, evidence suggests that they find it especially difficult to balance caring with their own quality of life, for example, by seeing friends or keeping up with their own interests or hobbies. They are also more likely to have their own health problems. They are also more likely to be spouses or partners, provide care for many hours per week. They are less likely to recognise themselves as carers or seek support from others, including from services.
The Care Act (2014) places a legal responsibility on local authorities to assess carers’ needs, meet any eligible needs for support, and promote carers’ wellbeing. Care practice has tended to identify carers’ needs separately (alongside and on an equal basis) to the people they support. However, this approach may not fully consider the complexity of caregiving relationships, especially caring for a spouse or partner and more intensive caregiving.
This study seeks to understand the experiences of older carers and the people they care for – as individuals and also together. It will also look at the ways social care services may improve the quality of life for the carer as well as the person being cared for. This work will identify the potential benefit(s) of having a wider view of the social care as supporting the person and their carer, as well as any challenges or barriers in achieving this.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0473
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion