Older Carers, Interdependence and the Care of Mentally Handicapped Adults
- 1 September 1986
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Ageing and Society
- Vol. 6 (3) , 333-351
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0144686x00005997
Abstract
Elderly people are often seen as the recipients of informal care. In the study reported here, there are clear indications that carers of mentally handicapped people are predominantly female and often beyond retirement age. For some the task is burdensome, but for many it provides a reciprocity both of care and of companionship. Older carers are observed to receive more professional aid than younger carers. But as demographic trends make this caring relationship more common it will be necessary for formal support systems to become more integrated and comprehensive.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Why are the Mentally Handicapped admitted to Hospital?The British Journal of Psychiatry, 1984
- Community Care and the Family: A Case for Equal Opportunities?Journal of Social Policy, 1980
- The Strength of Weak TiesAmerican Journal of Sociology, 1973