K101
In the beginning of unit one it becomes apparent that there are many difficulties involved in being a carer, the main difficulty that stood out for me is that many carers feel they have little or no choice in regards to who will care for the family member in question. Almost immediately we were made aware that Ann was expected to take on the role of caring for her step-father Augus when her mother passed away. Ann along with many other carers feel a sense of ‘Family duty’ when it comes to caring for a relative.
Carers play a vital role – looking after those who are sick, disable, vulnerable or frail. The government believes that care should be something which people do with pride. (DH, 1999, P.11)
Moral standing isn’t the only difficulty with being a carer, physical and emotional exhaustion can often be seen in care situations. Carers do not normally seek help until they reach breaking point, they then realise how much pressure they are under when they are being a carer.
It’s not an easy thing to do, Ann not only cares for Angus but she is also a wife to Bob and a mother to Zoe. Ann had to give up her job as a promotions assistant as Angus needed more care. A survey by Carers UK, entitled Missed Opportunities and published in 2003, found that many carers would have liked to carry on their jobs, but they could not get the type of support needed to make that possible. (Who cares? 2010)
It’s hard, physically and emotionally demanding, Ann has to lift Angus onto the toilet and manoeuvre him up the stairs, this is a task that means Ann has to be strong and willing, she also needs to know how to give Angus the appropriate care, like administer his medication. Ann also has to try and share her time and give everyone the attention that they crave, Bob and Zoe are missing out on affection from Ann as all of her time is consumed by Angus.
Carers play a vital role – looking after those who are sick, disable, vulnerable or frail. The government believes that care should be something which people do with pride. (DH, 1999, P.11)
Moral standing isn’t the only difficulty with being a carer, physical and emotional exhaustion can often be seen in care situations. Carers do not normally seek help until they reach breaking point, they then realise how much pressure they are under when they are being a carer.
It’s not an easy thing to do, Ann not only cares for Angus but she is also a wife to Bob and a mother to Zoe. Ann had to give up her job as a promotions assistant as Angus needed more care. A survey by Carers UK, entitled Missed Opportunities and published in 2003, found that many carers would have liked to carry on their jobs, but they could not get the type of support needed to make that possible. (Who cares? 2010)
It’s hard, physically and emotionally demanding, Ann has to lift Angus onto the toilet and manoeuvre him up the stairs, this is a task that means Ann has to be strong and willing, she also needs to know how to give Angus the appropriate care, like administer his medication. Ann also has to try and share her time and give everyone the attention that they crave, Bob and Zoe are missing out on affection from Ann as all of her time is consumed by Angus.