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Changes in the balance between formal and informal care supply in England between 2001 and 2011: Evidence from census data

Background: Informal care plays a crucial role in the social care system in England and is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of future sustainability of the long-term care (LTC) system. This paper explores the variation in informal care provision over time, and in particular, whether the considerable reduction in publicly-funded formal LTC after 2008 had an impact on the provision of informal care. Methods: We used small area data from the 2001 and 2011 English censuses to measure the prevalence and intensity (i.e.

Thu, 01/27/2022 - 19:47

Carer experience of end-of-life service provision: a social network analysis

Objective To identify the position of formal service providers in the networks of those providing end-of-life care in the home from the perspective of the informal network. Methods Using third-generation social network analysis, this study examined the nature and strength of relationships of informal caring networks with formal service providers through individual carer interviews, focus groups of caring networks and outer network interviews.

Thu, 07/30/2020 - 14:04

Investigating 'optimal time': perspectives on the timing of people living with dementia moving into care homes: research findings

This briefing summarises the findings of a study into whether there is a universal optimal time for people living with dementia to move to a care home. The research drew on the experiences of people living with dementia and family carers, as well as social workers and care home managers. It found that factors to consider include the wellbeing of the person living with dementia, the ability of family members to support them and the availability of suitable care home places.

Wed, 07/01/2020 - 14:16

The impact of social care services on carers' quality of life

Unpaid care is an important part of long-term care systems. It is increasingly recognised that carers have their own health and well-being needs. Carer-specific interventions, as well as support for the care-recipient, may enable carers to maintain their own health and well-being alongside caring. This study seeks to establish whether and how community-based care services affect carers' quality of life.

Tue, 06/16/2020 - 13:42

Informal carers' experiences of caring for a person with heart failure in a community setting

Heart failure (HF) is a life-limiting condition with a poor prognosis and unpredictable disease trajectory. HF brings physical and emotional challenges for patients and their carers. Predominantly the informal carer population consists of older females, however, caring is evolving as longevity increases and complex conditions are becoming more commonplace. Consequently, more men and younger people are contributing to daily care. The aim of this study was to explore the positive as well as negative dimensions of caring in HF across a range of carer characteristics.

Mon, 02/17/2020 - 12:42

Projecting future demand for informal care among older people in China : the road towards a sustainable long-term care system

The long-term care system in China relies heavily on informal care provided by family members. This study makes projections on the demand for informal care among Chinese older people between 2015 and 2035 and quantifies the level of long-term care resources needed to meet their needs. The data come from longitudinal information in a nationally representative sample, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey 2011 and 2013. The macrosimulation approach (PSSRU model) and the Markov approach are integrated into one Bayesian modelling framework.

Wed, 10/09/2019 - 13:48

Investigating the economic case of a service to support carers of people with dementia: A cross-sectional survey-based feasibility study in England

Carers contribute essential support to enable people with dementia to continue living within the community. Admiral Nurses provide specialist dementia support for carers of people with dementia, including offering expert emotional support and guidance, and work to join up different parts of the health and social care system to address needs in a co-ordinated way. The cost-effectiveness of this service is not clear. We undertook a feasibility study to explore related outcomes and costs for these carers.

Wed, 09/11/2019 - 10:18

The caregiving phenomenon and caregiver participation in dementia

Background: Dementia presents barriers to the collaboration between individuals and the healthcare system. Caregivers perform multiple functions helping patients with basic and instrumental activities but also communicating and mediating the dyads’ needs within the broader social group. Interventions focusing on caregivers show that caregiver burden can be reduced, improving patient outcomes in a cost‐effective way, but the generalisation of these findings is limited by several factors such as low participation rates of caregivers in studies.

Mon, 09/09/2019 - 15:01

Great expectations: ambitions for family carers in UK parliamentary debates on the Care Bill

The Care Act 2014 amended legislation relating to government responsibilities for adults with care needs. It set out new statutory responsibilities for the support of family or informal carers. As part of a study investigating the impact of the Care Act 2014 on family carers in England, we undertook a contextual literature review, focusing on parliamentary debates available online from Hansard. We describe the content of debates seeking to amend the law relating to carers and aspirations for the proposed reforms.

Fri, 09/06/2019 - 13:12

Updated meta-review of evidence on support for carers

BACKGROUND: Policy and research interest in carers continues to grow. A previous meta-review, published in 2010, by Parker et al. (Parker G, Arksey H, Harden M. 'Meta-review of international evidence on interventions to support carers.' York: Social Policy Research Unit, University of York; 2010) found little compelling evidence of effectiveness about specific interventions and costs. OBJECTIVE: To update what is known about effective interventions to support carers of ill, disabled or older adults. DESIGN: Rapid meta-review.

Wed, 05/15/2019 - 10:03

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