Challenges Faced by Older Carers in Northern Ireland
The health and wellbeing of older carers in Northern Ireland is a growing concern, with statistics showing their vulnerability and the impact of caregiving responsibilities on their own health. Issues such as unequal access to healthcare services, ageist attitudes in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the need for early intervention and support are highlighted. Joan McEwan, Paschal McKeown, and others are advocating for better services and support for older carers to ensure their wellbeing and quality of life.
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Presentation Transcript
Too ill for caring: Health and wellbeing among older carers in Northern Ireland Wednesday 13 June 2018 #OlderCarersNI
Paschal McKeown Charity Director Age NI #OlderCarersNI
What We Do Inspire Enable Support 11 3
Staying well, feeling good We are living longer 16% of the population are over 65 years old. 2% of the population are over 85 years old. By 2028 the older people population will be larger than the number of children in NI. By 2041 almost one in four people will be aged 64 or over. But healthy life expectancy is not increasing at the same rate.
Carers Over 15,000 people aged 70 years and over provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care every week. Over 400 of carers are aged 90 years or older 64% of carers are female in their 50s Among the 65-74 years age group: 14% of men aged 75 years or over are carers, compared with 11% of women of that age. A little bit of caring responsibility can have a positive impact on one s; too much can be bad for one s wellbeing and health.
Equal access to services? Cancer is more common in later life. One third of all cancers are diagnosed in people aged 75+. Studies show fewer diagnostic and staging procedures and less treatment is carried out with advancing age. Evidence of ageist attitudes. Implications for carers?
Early intervention and support Low awareness of increase risk as we get older Ensuring treatment decisions for older people are based on need rather than age. Improving early diagnosis for maximising chances for long-term survival. Our cancer services must meet the needs of our ageing population. Equal access to services and support for older carers and their loved ones
Joan McEwan Head of Policy and Public Affairs Marie Curie Northern Ireland #OlderCarersNI
Health status of older carers 3x more likely to be in bad or very bad health 2x more likely to worry about health
Physical health impact Existing serious health issues Exacerbate symptoms of ageing Self care suffers More likely than others to expect further deterioration
Mental health impact Increased mental ill-health Linked to hours of care University College London (2018). The emotional wellbeing of older carers
Mental health impact contd Living bereavement You re grieving by losing part of the person everyday. Social isolation My life is on hold. I can t make any plans. I can t leave. I don t have anyone to talk to.
Financial issues Carers Allowance provides inadequate support Carers having to cut back on food and heating Carers with financial issues more likely to feel physical and mental impact of caring
Impact of bereavement Greater mental impact Prolonged Grief Disorder Funeral arrangements
Caring for a loved one at the end of their life can be both distressing and challenging. Carers often have to manage patients personal and practical care, their physical symptoms such as pain, and sometimes patient s anxiety and depression, while dealing with their own feelings of loss Professor Gunn Grande, Professor of Palliative Care, University of Manchester
Clare-Anne Magee General Manager Carers NI #OlderCarersNI
State of older carers in NI 2018 findings 18% of our respondents from NI were 65 yrs+ 41% had been caring for 15 years or more 23% had been caring for between 5-9 years 81% were caring for over 70hrs per week 74% were retired 19% looked after more than one person 81% were looking after someone aged 65yrs+
Main issues from findings Not getting right information or support Worried about the future Mental and physical health getting worse as a result of their caring role
I no longer have time to myself I feel frightened and alone. People come and go leaving leaflets I could paper a room with them but no relevant help or understanding of how I m coping my husband s condition has got much worse. I have to exist on very little sleep and can no longer attend church or hospital appointments. I have no family or friends who can help. I feel afraid where do I go to get help if I become ill and can t look after them? I am now housebound with her 7 days a week
How do we keep older carers healthy and connected? Health and care professionals identifying older carers Access to the right information and support at the right time More opportunities for older carers to come together Ageing workforce supported by employers and the social care system
