Table 3 Network members identified as being most important for people with and without a spouse in their network

Informal support

Spouse

6 (14 %)

0 (0 %)

Other family

4 (9 %)

17 (22 %)

Friends/social groups

2 (5 %)

8 (10 %)

Pets

3 (7 %)

4 (5 %)

Neighbours

0 (0 %)

3 (4 %)

Formal support

Community nursing service

8 (19 %)

11 (14 %)

Medical (excluding psychiatrists)

7 (16 %)

12 (15 %)

Personal care/carer

7 (16 %)

11 (14 %)

Mental health workers

1 (2 %)

5 (6 %)

Allied health

4 (9 %)

6 (8 %)

Transport

1 (2 %)

1 (1 %)