Understanding the needs of the family carers of people with dementia

As more people are living longer this growing number of older people means an increase in mental health problems. Twenty-five per cent of people over 85 develop dementia and between ten and sixteen per cent of those over 65 develop clinical depression. In addition, people who developed severe and enduring mental health problems such as schizophrenia when young are now growing older (Audit Commission, 2000). Most people with dementia live in the community. About half are cared for at home by a family carer, usually a spouse or adult child (Keady & Nolan, 1995). The average age of carers is between 60 and 65 years and many are much older (Levin, 1997). Carers of people with dementia are likely to have higher than normal levels of stress and burden and report higher levels of depression (Pearson et al, 1993; Russo et al, 1995). 34 refs. [Introduction]