The experience of working informal carers of older people: a qualitative diary study

Abstract

This article expands understanding of the experiences of working carers by analysing their care activities and applying cognitive appraisal theory to explore how different resources affect carers’ appraisal processes. A total of 18 carers from the UK and Hong Kong took part in a qualitative daily diary study. The contributions of the article include providing a broader conceptualisation of care activities and considering the implications of cognitive appraisals and resources in the experience of combining work and care. The findings provide insights into future research design and support development.