K101

The Difficulties And Rewards of Being A Carer For A Family Member This essay l look at the reasons why it is difficult to determine whether or not a person is a carer, and will also explore whether this matters Being a carer is something that can be difficult to in pupils’ eyes especially for a family member. There are six million people in the UK who provide unpaid extra support to older, sick or disabled people. It is important to recognise these carers, as they play a vital role – looking after those who are sick, disabled, vulnerable and frail. The government believes that care should be something which people do with pride. It is particularly important recognise family carers because without them the cost of care for the millions of adults who need support to manage daily living would be unaffordable. To help recognise who is and who isn’t an informal carer we need to have a definition that we can refer to “... The word ‘carer’ means someone who looks after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability. (Direct gov 2006) The government’s definition of a carer is ‘someone who looks after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability’ (K101, Unit 1, p.16).. I will be using the case study of Ann and Angus by Joyce Cavaye (2007, quoted in K101, Unit 1, p. 14). Angus McPhail, aged seventy nine has Parkinson’s disease and is currently cared for by his stepdaughter Ann Walker. Ann became Angus’ carer when her mother died, and as she and her family were already living at her parent’s house she was the ‘perfect’ candidate. Ann performs many tasks for Angus which include personal services, such as washing and toileting, administering his medication and assisting him with physical activities, for example climbing the stairs. Deciding whether someone is a carer can be difficult as the circumstances are often complicated and uncertain (K101, Unit 1, p.19). According to the researchers Parker and Lawton (1994) Ann would be identified as a carer because she carries out many tasks for him, as described in the previous paragraph. However there are four complicating factors that make it much more complex to decide whether or not she is. The duration and frequency of Ann’s caring duties need to be counted according to the Government; she must care for Angus for at least thirty-five hours per week to qualify as a carer (K101, Unit 1, p. 19). Ann does in fact carry out her caring duties for this amount of time, sometimes more as Angus’ condition worsens. Applying this complicating factor to the definition of a carer would not change the decision. The term ‘carer’ is a label but to be eligible for support both the carer and the cared for need to accept this label (K101, Unit 1, p. 20). This complicating factor is what may cause a stumbling block for Ann and Angus... Also without this label it would be difficult to work out exactly who is entitled to benefits such as carers allowance and to be able to support these carers with informal support (from family and friends) and with formal support from outside care. Ann to care for angus has consequences for her and her family , care relationship. The quality of relationship before caring stated ( lewis and Meredith,1988:Finch and Mason 1992; Forbat 2005) How much choice people have (lewis and Meredith,1988: Forbat 2005 ) External support received (lewis and Meredith,1988: Carers Uk,2003.2005) According to joyce Cayane she didn`t have choice but to look after angus Family should except when their relative are not able to look after themselves , they can help as long they believe they are carer. If you accept the label of carer there is help from the government non governmentl organaisation who offer help as ie ( in Cavaye 2007) ann decide to ask help with looking after Angus References Directgov (2006) Introduction to Caring [online], www.direct.gov.uk/en/ CaringForSomeone/CaringAndSupportServices/DG_10016779 (Accessed 19/10/2011) K101 unit 1 p 27 K101 unit 1 resource 1 ( joyce Cavaye)