A weight off my mind: exploring the impact and potential benefits of telecare for unpaid carers in Scotland

A study looking at telecare from a carers' viewpoint is briefly reviewed in this article. The study drew on the experiences of carers through interviews and focus groups. It identified that some stakeholders, notably healthcare professionals, lacked awareness of the value and availability of telecare and that this often resulted in limited referrals and a limited range of telecare equipment accessed by carers. The study concluded that technology will be crucial in addressing the practicalities of delivering care and support to the increasing number of older, sick and disabled people in Scotland who wish to remain in their own homes. Carers in the study described the positive benefits of telecare and most felt that this had increased their own quality of life along with that of the person they cared for. The researchers felt that more needed to be done to raise awareness among carers and professionals about the full range of telecare options.