Table 6 Carer demographics

Number

74

Mean age (range)

55 (22–79)

Male (%)

45 (61%)

Carers age profile (years)

 20–29

3 (4%)

 30–39

5 (7%)

 40–49

8 (11%)

 50–59

31 (44%)

 60–69

17 (24%)

 70–79

6 (9%)

Relationship to the NMOSD patient

 Spouse/partner (%)

55 (74%)

 Son/daughter (%)

8 (11%)

 Parent/guardian (%)

5 (7%)

 Sibling (%)

2 (3%)

 Other non-relative (%)

4 (5%)

Living arrangements

 Patient lives with carer

64 (86%)

 Patient lives in own home

9 (12%)

 Patient lives in Care Home

1 (1%)

Carer employment status

 In full time employment

27 (36%)

 In part-time employment

8 (11%)

 Unemployed and not looking for work

4 (5%)

 Unable to work due to caring commitments

15 (20%)

 On a government employment or training scheme

1 (1%)

 Retired

19 (26%)

Carer commitments affecting career

 Yes

25 (34%)

 No

46 (62%)

 Other

3 (4%)

Reasons for caring commitments affecting work

 Lost a paid job and still have not got another one

2 (8%)

 Changed the type of job/tasks done

1 (4%)

 Lost a paid job but have since got another one

1 (4%)

 Changed my place of work

2 (8%)

 Changed the number of hours worked

8 (31%)

 Unemployed for the last 3 months

2 (8%)

 Unemployed then got a paid job

2 (8%)

 Opted to take early retirement due to caring commitments

8 (31%)

Carers’ weekly earnings

 None

18 (29%)

 Less than £99

9 (14%)

 £100–£199

9 (14%)

 £200–£299

8 (13%)

 £300–£399

5 (8%)

 £400–£499

8 (13%)

 £500–£599

1 (2%)

 £600–£699

2 (3%)

 £700–£799

2 (3%)

 More than £800

1 (2%)