800,000 unpaid carers in Scotland to take part in new project

Around 800,000 people across Scotland are being asked to share their experience of looking after a loved one.

The project by Scotland Cares will work with teams at University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of the West of Scotland.

Rutherglen man, Fulton Hunter was forced to give up work in 2015 to look after his wife who has arthritis and celiac disease.

He told Clyde 1: "It was three years before I was due to retire and I was hoping to be able to work on longer because it was a great company.

"My whole lifestyle completely changed.

"Instead of depending on a salary, I depended on benefits."

The research will survey unpaid carers and look for their honest experiences, challenges and hopes for the future.

Dr Josie Fullerton, Scotland Cares project lead for the University of Glasgow, said: “While caring represents some of the most remarkable elements of the human spirit – the innate compulsion to look after others – it is also synonymous for many with a wide array of challenges such as stress, uncertainty and a loss of identity.

"In addition, it now seems certain that, as our society continues to age and our healthcare models continue to move health out of hospitals and into the community, those who care for others will take on a greater breadth and depth of roles in delivering care in the years ahead."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.