Plain Language Summary

This research examines how being an unpaid carer affects a person's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Unpaid carers are often family members or friends who provide essential support to those who are ill. Understanding the impact of caring for these individuals is crucial, as it highlights their mental and physical well-being, which can inform healthcare policies and interventions.

The study analyzed data from 13 years of the Understanding Society survey, focusing on pairs of carers and those they care for. The research aimed to identify 2 main effects: the "caregiving" effect, which refers to the impact of the amount of care provided (in hours per week and duration in years), and the "family" effect, which looks at how the health of the person being cared for affects the carer's well-being.

Key findings indicate that a carer's HRQoL tends to decline with longer caregiving duration. Specifically, each additional year of caring leads to a small but significant decrease in the carer's HRQoL. Conversely, the study found a positive relationship between the health of the care recipient and the carer’s HRQoL; improvements in the care recipient's health can lead to better outcomes for the carer.

These insights are important for healthcare decision makers, as they suggest that improving the health of care recipients could indirectly enhance the well-being of their carers. Moreover, the research emphasizes the need for more accurate methods to evaluate the effects of caring in economic models. The findings can help in developing targeted interventions that support both carers and care recipients, enhancing their overall quality of life.

The results highlight the value of understanding the dual impact of caregiving on health outcomes, offering a framework that could guide future studies and policy decisions regarding unpaid care. By addressing the challenges faced by unpaid carers, healthcare systems can improve support for this critical component of healthcare.

^{Note: This content was created with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) and has been reviewed and edited by ISPOR staff. For more information or for inquiries on ISPOR’s AI policy, click here or contact us at info@ispor.org.}