Age UK Barnsley ‘knows what to do’

New research from Age UK reveals that 6.6 million people worry they wouldn’t know how to support their older parents. With people living for longer, greater pressure on the health and social care system and the continued cost of living crisis, the responsibility of supporting ageing parents is increasingly falling on adult children.

The new research suggests that one of the biggest concerns people have about supporting an older relative is their lack of knowledge around what to do to help their parents as they age. 6.6 million people aged 40-60 (79%) who are considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future, worry that they wouldn’t know how to support them.

This fear is coupled with the challenges of managing their own responsibilities with the needs of ageing loved ones. Around 5.7 million (69%) who are considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future, say they would find it hard to care for or support their parent(s) whilst juggling their own life, such as their job and children.

Money worries also top the list of things to be concerned about in the future, with 5.1 million/three fifths (61%) of adults aged 40-60 considering caring for or supporting an older parent saying they would struggle to manage financially.

Additionally, 6.1 million (74%) adults aged 40-60 thinking about caring for or supporting an older parent in the future say they would find it stressful.

Further highlighting the fact that so many just don’t know what to do when it comes to supporting older parents, the research found that large numbers of adult children are unaware of available resources, support systems or procedures to support their parent as they deal with getting older. 4.1 million adults aged 40-60 (49%) considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future say they wouldn’t know how to help their parent(s) get care.

2.2 million adults aged 40-60 (27%) considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future say they wouldn’t know what to do if their parent(s) have a fall viand over a third (35%) say they wouldn’t know what to do if their parent(s) become isolated or lonely.

Age UK’s research also highlights the experiences and challenges for those who already care for an older parent. 3.3 million adults aged 40-60 already currently care for or support at least one older parent with tasks including:

• taking them shopping or doing their shopping for them (72%)
• helping with household chores (68%)
• accompanying them to medical appointments (67%)
• looking after them if they are unwell (63%)

However, of the adults aged 40-60 who are already caring for a parent, 2 million (60%) said they didn't know how hard caring for or supporting their parents was going to be.

Despite the challenges and worries linked to caring for and supporting older parents, many of those questioned recognised the importance of this stage in their relationship. 1.9 million (59%) of adults aged 40-60 currently caring for or supporting an older parent think supporting their parent(s) has brought them closer and nearly 2.4 million (72%) enjoy being able to give something back to their parents.

Commenting, Age UK Barnsley CEO Debby Bunn said:

“It’s inevitable that we get older we are more likely to need a little extra help. This research by Age UK national demonstrates the worry and anxiety this can create for adult children, with too many worrying about how they will be able to support their parents.

“If you find yourself in this situation, worrying about a parent or other older relative or friend, it can be hard to know what to do or where to go for advice. Our message to you is that you aren’t alone.

“Age UK Barnsley knows what to do. We have a wide range of services available to support older people and their carers in the borough – be that our Information and Advice Service to ensure that you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to; social inclusion groups and activities right across the borough; or our Elizabeth Centre and Ken Littlewood Suite that provides a safe and stimulating environment for older people and respite opportunities for carers. Give us a call on 01226 776820 and we will do what we can to support.”

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Notes for Editors

• This data is taken from Age UK National’s recent ‘Know What To Do’ report. Details on the accompanying data can be found
• Age UK Barnsley is an independent local charity committed to supporting older people in the Barnsley area.
• We are a brand partner of the national Age UK charity but are fiercely independent and focused on delivering high-quality, inclusive services for residents and communities in Barnsley.
• You can find out more about the services we provide on our website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnsley/our-services/