Older caregivers in Iceland: providing and receiving care

Abstract

Few studies have looked at care provided by older caregivers. This study analyses the characteristics of older informal caregivers and investigates how these caregivers interacted with other informal caregivers and the formal care system. The ‘Icelandic Older People’ survey provided data for 782 participants, of whom 157 were caregivers aged 65 years and older. The analysis demonstrates that older people who live with someone are more frequently informal caregivers than those who live alone. Emotional support was the most common help provided. The older caregiver was often alone in his/her role as a caregiver, but when extensive care was required, the formal care system provided additional support. Almost half of the older caregivers needed help themselves, mostly with ‘Instrumental Activities of Daily Living’ (IADL). This study provides information about older caregivers and how their care interacts with the formal care system. This group is likely to grow as more people live longer. Thus, the number of older caregivers and the care they provide must be taken into account when making plans for the care of older people in the coming years.