Caring takes its toll on older family members

Three-quarters of older carers in Scotland say looking after a sick or disabled family member has had a negative impact on their physical health, according to a survey.

Just over half reported a deterioration in their physical health over the past year and 36.6 per cent of older carers have delayed treatments or operations because of their caring role, according to new research from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

A total of 68.4 per cent of carers have experienced a negative impact on their mental or emotional health because of caring and 39.2 per cent reported a deterioration in their mental health over the last year.

For the report, Always on Call, Always Concerned, 639 older carers in the UK aged 60 to 94, including 80 in Scotland, who look after a sick or disabled family member, were questioned.

Florence Burke, director for Scotland for The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: “We are recommending low-cost preventative services at local level. It is critical that investment in Scotland, such as the Change Fund, benefits these carers directly.”