Who cares? National research on the role of male carers

Date: Monday, August 18th 2014
Categories: All Leicestershire

The role of carer is traditionally portrayed as female, meaning that the majority of information and support available may overlook the needs of male carers, of which there are perhaps more than tradition may have us believe.

A report carried out by national charity, Carers Trust, and the Men’s Health Forum, states “the 2011 Census found that in England and Wales, 42.3% of carers [were] male.”

Over half of the male carers who participated in the report, titled “Husband, Partner, Dad, Son, Carer?” said that they “felt the needs of male carers are different to the needs of female carers.”

This suggests that changes in the types of support available could greatly help this somewhat hidden group of carers.

“Support that male carers have chosen to use has focused on practical help and individualised support, and social activities.” the report found.

This may be considered to differ from the typically female-focused support usually on offer, and highlights the changes needed in order to better serve the men in the caring community.

Whilst there are a range of differences regarding the issues faced by male and female carers, perhaps the end goal could be for men and women to be considered a team, integrating all needs and perspectives, working towards the same aim: to care.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, the pressure is still the same.”

Click here to find out more about the report

We'd love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on the issues raised by the report - whether you're male or female.

This story was written by intern Alex Mawon-Harris.