Download: Care and Caring in Ireland, North and South: Older People as Both Recipients and Givers of Care

In this reaseach briefing Judith Cross, CARDI'S Policy Officer, summaries three research reports by McGee, H. et al (2008) Older People –Recipients but also providers of care: an analysis among community samples in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; O’Sullivan, L. (2008) Health and Well-being of Family Carers in Ireland: Results of a survey of recipients of the Carers Allowance and Evason, E. (2007) Who Cares Now?

The briefing aims to  provide a greater understanding of the changes in care provision and the implications of caring on older people as both recipients of care and givers of care. It outlines the findings of the author's research and highlights the implications for public policy in Ireland, North and South. Finally it pulls together key information and conclusions from the research and highlights how current debate on an ageing population often centres on older people as recipients of care and fails to recognise the growing level of care provided by older people and the implications this has on their quality of life.