Who Helps the Elderly?
Elderly people needing help mostly get it from their families: usually from their children (70%), less frequently from grandchildren (32%) or spouses (31%). There has been a noticeable generational shift, with the percentage of spouses in caring roles dropping by 16 points since 2019 and that of grandchildren increasing by 10 points. This is probably an effect of greater life expectancy; grandchildren who were previously unable to support their grandparents because they were too young, now participate in their care. Fairly frequently help for the elderly comes from neighbours (25%), close friends (21%), siblings (20%) or more distant friends (18%). Assistance from more extended family is much rarer, as is institutional support, whether district nurses, social workers, paid carers or volunteers from parishes or charities.
