As the UK population ages, so the number of filial carers increases says an article in The Guardian online.
Commenting in the article, SSPSSR’s Professor Alisoun Milne highlights that many of these filial carers are elderly themselves, creating a situation where the frail and elderly are looking after the frail and elderly. The distinct needs of this significant – and growing – group in society needs investigating and understanding, otherwise according to Professor Milne, we are at risk that “both child and parent will end up in crisis.”
Professor Alisoun Milne is Professor of Social Gerontology and Social Work at the University of Kent. Her research interests are family carers, mental health in later life, social work with older people and long term care. Professor Milne’s publications can be accessed here.