Understanding Carer Harm

The global challenge of ageing populations and increasing numbers of people requiring care mean that by 2030, one in five Irish people will be a family caregiver (Family Carers Ireland, College of Psychiatrists of Ireland & UCD, 2019). Family Carers Ireland (FCI) research carried out in 2019 surveyed 1,102 family carers, 90% of whom were female. Almost half (44%) of carers reported that they regularly experienced either physical aggression or verbal/emotional abuse as part of their caring role. The study findings also suggested specific challenges for family carers of people living with dementia (PLWD) and autistic children/adults.