Unpaid carers for the elderly ‘much more likely’ to suffer distress than professionals

FAMILY or friends who act as unpaid carers for elderly people are much more likely to suffer emotional, physical and financial distress than professionals, according to new research.

The study suggests such volunteers are three times more likely to be less productive at work due to distraction and fatigue.

Researchers say this is a significant and often unrecognised cost borne by employers.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that unpaid carers who assist co-ordinating doctor appointments and managing medication are most at risk.

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