Supporting practice with older carers

This heartfelt quote from an older carer is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and supporting those who quietly take on the role of caring later in life. 

As the number of older carers continues to rise, the role of social care and health professionals becomes increasingly important in helping older carers feel seen, heard, and supported. Many practitioners are already doing a great deal to support carers — often in complex, challenging circumstances.  

Research in Practice has worked with Mary Larkin to update our evidence-informed resource, Supporting practice with older carers. This resource offers practical support to build on the good work happening across the sector, offering tools to support professionals in identifying and working with older carers more effectively. 

Why focus on older carers? 

Older carers — those aged 65 and over — now make up more than a third of the UK’s carer population. Though data on kinship care is still emerging, estimates based on the 2021 Census suggests 132,818 children are being raised by kinship carers, highlighting the likelihood that some older carers fall into this group.  

Older carers are also more likely to provide intensive support. Carers aged 85+ provide the most hours of care per week. Despite this, many do not identify as carers. Especially when caring for a spouse in the context of a long-term relationship, making them less likely to seek or access support.

The effects of caring can be profound. Older carers are at higher risk of ill health — including back pain, fatigue, hypertension, anxiety and depression — with 40% reporting depressive symptoms. Many also report feeling isolated and financially stretched, particularly where caring responsibilities coincide with living on a fixed retirement income. 

While general awareness of carers’ needs has grown, research shows that the specific needs of older carers are often overlooked. Some don’t identify as carers, meaning they can remain ‘invisible’ to services. Others are reluctant to ask for help or are unsure what support is available. 

Listening to carers 

Guided by research involving older carers themselves, we asked what made a difference to them.

These are not complex requests — but they do require systems and professionals who are tuned in, consistent, and equipped with the right tools to help.  

Supporting older carers 

Drawing on the lived experiences of older carers, the updated resource offers five Practice Tools designed for use by practitioners, teams, supervisors, and service managers. Each tool is informed by research with older carers and aligns with national guidance, including NICE Guidance Supporting Adult Carers and the Care Act 2014 statutory framework. The tools support reflection and everyday interactions with older carers and service delivery. 

Each tool includes space for reflection or supervision discussions.  

Aligning with existing practice and policy 

Data suggests that fewer than 23% of carers currently receive assessments or reassessments. Even when assessments occur, they do not always lead to support. 

The resource reflects recommendations in the NICE Guidance Supporting Adult Carers that stresses the importance of identifying carers, understanding their specific needs, and supporting their wellbeing — including through social connection and access to information. 

It also complements the Care Act 2014, which places carers on an equal footing with the people they support, entitling them to assessment and, where appropriate, support services. 

Supporting practice 

Social care professionals are working under increasing pressure with growing workloads and high expectations.  

Supporting older carers well involves more than providing services. It involves strong relationships centred on recognition and respect. For many older carers, knowing that someone understands their situation can make a huge difference. 

Supporting work with older carers aims to make it easier to recognise and respond to older carers in ways that are thoughtful, proportionate and practical.