360 degrees of care

Research has demonstrated the benefits of telecare. It helps those with long-term needs live more independent lives, improves well-being, and enhances the quality of life. Yet little attention has been focused on the impact of telecare on unpaid carers who look after relatives with long-term care needs. This article examines the evidence from “A Weight Off My Mind: exploring the impact and potential benefits of telecare for unpaid carers”, and the ways in which telecare has impacted on carers, and how it has improved their quality of life. The potential benefit for carers were identified as: reducing pressure on carers; supporting carers in their supporting role; enabling carers to get a better night’s sleep; and giving carers peace of mind about the safety and well-being of the person being cared for. Telecare has also been instrumental in enabling carers to remain in paid employment, thereby maintaining family stability. Finally, telecare also had a positive impact on the relationship with the person [...]