Abstract

Providing support services for carers has long been a key social policy objective. Such support through service intervention has been found to reduce carers' stress levels, improve the quality of their lives and prevent the breakdown of care. Recently, developing support services for carers has gained increased impetus as a result of concern over the costs of long term care and the Scottish Parliament's commitment to carer involvement in the design and delivery of services. Many carers do not receive support services although care giving is known to be stressful. These 'hidden' or unsupported carers are 'invisible' to providers of health and social care services. This volume focuses on the lives and experiences of hidden carers. It considers the complex relationship between carers and service providers from the caregiver's perspective. It asks why some carers provide high levels of care without support from service providers and what factors may lead to their acceptance of support.