Title: The Role of Adult Social Care Services in Individual and Dyadic Quality of Life: Perspectives From Older Carers and Individuals They Support
Stream: Lifespan Health Promotion
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Barbora Silarova, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Grace Collins, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Stacey Rand, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Wenjing Zhang, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Alisoun Milne, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Abstract:
In the UK, over two million people aged 65 and over provide support to their family member, friend or neighbour. Despite this number, older carers remain relatively invisible in adult social care policy, research and practice. The aim of this study was to understand the needs and the quality of life of older carers and the people they support on an individual and dyadic level. In addition, we explored whether and how community-based support makes a difference in their daily lives.
We recruited 17 carers and 11 dyads (carer and the person they supported) living across England between April and December 2021. We collected information through a brief background survey and semi-structured interviews. We analysed data qualitatively using framework analysis.
The majority of participants cared for their spouse/partner; provided 50+hours per week of care; and paid for the social care services, either fully or by contribution. Overall, the findings suggested that most of the older carers in the sample had either some or high-level of unmet needs across different areas of social care quality of life. Participants gave us examples of how COVID-19 impacted their daily lives; shared their experiences with provision (or lack) of adult social care services and needs assessments; and their dilemmas related to caring.
This study fills in a gap in an evidence on what we know about individual and dyadic quality of life of older carers and the people they support and the impact of social care services on their lives.
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