Older women become primary carers during partner's final days, research shows

The research from Trinity College and the ESRI shows that adult children also play an important but smaller role.

It shows that Palliative care has developed on an ad hoc basis around the country meaning its very well established in some areas like Limerick but less so in the midlands.

Professor Charles Normand of Trinity College said the role of the family is crucial.

“It is interesting to note how much care of older dying people is provided by other older people, especially spouses and partners," he said.

"We need to think of older people as a resource and as providers of services as well as people who need care. It is also important to understand that the provision of formal care does not lighten the load of informal carers, but does allow them to use their time to address the wider needs of their relative.”

“Evidence from this study shows that more developed palliative care reduces the costs of other health services. While overall savings are probably not achieved, much of the cost of palliative care can be paid for by savings from hospital care. “

“There is evidence that people put great value on the palliative care they receive, and in particular appreciate getting speedy access to care at a time of great stress. Especially where inpatient hospice is available it is possible substantially to reduce the numbers who die in hospital or have hospital admissions close to the time of death.”

“It has long been recognised that palliative care is not only end of life care. Where services are more developed this allows earlier referral for specialised support, and the skills of palliative care can be provided over a longer period.

"Where services are less well developed they are only generally able to address needs nearer to the end of life. “