There is a substantial and growing body of
literature on the effect on carers of giving
long-term support to family members, friends or
neighbours with chronic health problems. There is
also a body of literature recognising the potential
of alliances between healthcare professionals
and carers to maximise care and harmonise
resource allocation.
The study concerned two subjects: the nature
and extent of caring, which have implications for
care planning, and the effect of carers’ role on their
lives and identities, or the ‘care burden’. The study
showed that these areas should be addressed
by professionals, but also that some forms of
professional involvement exacerbate the burden.
Carers can be defined as family members,
partners or friends who provide unpaid support
to people who experience illness, disability or frailty
(Hancock and Jarvis 1994).