Managing long-term conditions in older people: the carer role

Life expectancy in the UK continues to rise, with the over-65 age group projected to grow significantly over the next decade. As people live longer, many experience multiple long-term conditions and increasing frailty, often leading to high levels of disability and a need for care and support. While the NHS provides formal care, the majority of day-to-day support is delivered by unpaid carers, such as family members, partners, and friends, who account for around four-fifths of all care provision. These carers frequently balance their responsibilities with employment and personal health challenges, placing them at increased risk of physical and mental health problems. This article will discuss the implications of an ageing society for care provision in the UK, examining how unpaid carers have become the backbone of support for older and vulnerable people. It will consider the pressures they face and the ways in which health professionals can help sustain both carers and those they care for.