Findings are described from this investigation into informal, unpaid care of the elderly in New Zealand. Forty-eight carers of elderly relatives participated in telephone interviews that explored their psychological experiences, their motivations for providing care, the costs involved and their experience of aggression. Analysis of the transcripts revealed high rates of anxiety and depression amongst the carers, most of whom were partners or offspring of the carees. The carers reported a sense of feeling personally and socially restricted as a result of their caring duties, which impacted adversely on their physical and emotional health, and were reportedly the most burdensome aspect of the caring experience. Most cited love as being the driving force that motivated them to care for their relative. Economic costs involved were substantial. The study researchers note that the health system needs to provide much higher levels of emotional support for these carers to be able to continue their work.
