Working people who also care for the elderly

The workforce of a district health authority in south east England was surveyed using two successive postal questionnaires, to determine how many of them had outside work caring commitments to elderly persons. Details of the services and supports received by care receivers and caregivers were further analysed and ways in which worker-carers could be assisted by employers and work colleagues were explored. Fourteen per cent of this workforce had outside work commitments to caring for elderly people (17% of part-time workers and 12% of full-time workers). Worker-carers were usually female, older than non-carers, working part-time and earning low incomes. They tended to be caring for elderly female relatives, living close by, and approximately half were unaided by statutory or voluntary services. Worker-carers' support was mainly from family and friends. At work a supportive and accepting attitude from colleagues and line-managers was valued, as were part-time jobs and flexihours. Seventy-eight per cent of worker-carers wanted to continue with their dual roles. More attention, particularly within the work environment, needs to be paid to ways of supporting working people who also care for the elderly.