Why_Can_It_Be_Difficult_to_Decide_Whether_or_Not_a_Person_Is_a_Carer,_and_Does_It_Matter_

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). This essay will 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. To answer the questions detailed above 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 when Ann wishes to apply for help. Although she is beginning to accept the fact that she has become a carer, Angus is less willing to accept the fact that he is now a cared for person so therefore they would not meet the criteria to apply for financial support. However if Angus were to change his mind and accept he is cared for this criteria would be met. Interdependence is another issue in deciding whether some one is a carer or not, caring is not always one way and can be reciprocated (K101, Unit 1, p. 20). Families may give support to each other and therefore it can be difficult to decide who is the carer and who is cared for. Applying this to the case of Ann and Angus would conclude that Ann is a carer as Angus provides for no care to the family, he is solely ‘the cared for’. Families and friends can also be a complicating factor in deciding whether someone is a carer or not (K101, Unit 1, pp. 20-1). Networks of support provided by family and friends can cloud the importance of the main carer if the caring duties are shared. However in the case of Ann and Angus although small amounts of assistance is provided by Ann’s husband and daughter, Ann does the majority of caring and therefore this complicating factor would not alter the decision that Ann is a carer. Being able to identify an individual as a carer matters for several reasons, each of these reasons are equally important. Ann would need to be able to prove she was a carer to apply for financial or practical support, as one-third of carers live in poverty this is especially important (K101, Unit1, p. 28). Equally relevant, Ann being recognised as a carer would enable a back-up care plan to be arranged for Angus in the event that Ann could suddenly no longer care for him. Budget holders also need to identify carers so they can plan their services from year to year, this is the same for caring organisations i.e. Carers UK who need to establish how many people they represent. Employers are also required to take account of employees’ caring responsibilities and therefore they would need to establish whether someone was a carer or not. By reading this essay you will have concluded that deciding whether or not someone is a carer is a complex issue, but it is an achievable task. By comparing Ann and Angus to the Government’s definition of carer, I was able to conclude Ann was in fact a carer. However even though three of the complicating factors did not change this decision, labelling was the downfall. As Angus does not class himself as a cared for person him and Ann would not be eligible for financial or practical support