Brenda Quick, 92, was the oldest family carer photographed for the project. She raised four daughters single-handedly after she and her husband divorced and she had a number of jobs. Her second daughter, Karen, was born profoundly deaf and also has mental health issues. Karen lives in her own home with support next door to her mum, and Brenda cooks her lunch every day, as well as helping Karen with her personal care. Retirement is not an option for family carers, she says, and her greatest wish is to have another 20 years of life so she can continue to look after her daughter.

Photograph: Sara Ryan