Thinking about caring for older relatives in the future: a qualitative exploration

Stevens, Madeleine ORCID: 0000-0003-3540-3494, Brimblecombe, Nicola ORCID: 0000-0002-6147-5726, Bou, Camille and Wittenberg, Raphael ORCID: 0000-0003-3096-2721 (2022) Thinking about caring for older relatives in the future: a qualitative exploration. Ageing and Society. ISSN 0144-686X

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Abstract

The number of dependent older people in England, as elsewhere, is projected to rise substantially, while the number of unpaid carers is not projected to rise by an equivalent amount. Barriers to people caring for older relatives have been theorised, however, there is a lack of understanding of attitudes to providing care in the future among people who are not currently carers. This paper presents qualitative analysis of interviews with 20 people in middle age about their willingness to care for older relatives in the future. Interviewees were asked their general views about who should provide care, then to consider future scenarios in which a close relative developed care needs. Willingness to care was influenced by beliefs about reciprocity, love and identity, beliefs about who was likely to provide the best quality and most appropriate care, and beliefs about how difficult caring would be. Older relatives' care preferences were a key consideration. While some interviewees felt the best care would always be provided by family, others considered that professional skills were needed. Interviewees saw important roles for easily accessible information and advice, sharing care, including respite care, and financial support, in making it easier to provide care. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had highlighted relevant issues for interviewees, which are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ageing-and...
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Personal Social Services Research Unit Methodology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
Date Deposited:	10 Jan 2022 12:21
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2024 18:15
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/113378

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