Ka101 Tma 01

A carer can be referred to as anyone who gives unpaid support to a family member who is unable to live or function without help. It may be an elderly relative, a relative who is disabled or who is addicted to drug. It does not mean a professional care-worker in a nursing or residential home. (Directgov, 2006)
According to two researchers (Parker and Lawton 1994) carers:                                                                 1. Perform personal services, such as washing and toileting                                                                 2. Perform physical labour eg. Lifting                                                                                                 3. Gives medicine                                                                                                                             4, Keep company                                                                                                                           So this makes Ann a carer
I am going to use Ann Walker experience and a friend’s (Mrs A who looks after her daughter that suffers from cerebral palsy) personal experience to describe and give examples of both difficulties and rewards of being a carer for a family member.
Difficulties of being a carer for a family member:
One of the difficulties of being a care for a family member is that there may not be access to assistance when needed. Like Ann in this scenario, she did not have anyone to help her with Angus; this was why Angus fell when left alone for a few minutes. It can bring a strain into relationship among family members especially if assistance is not given when asked for. This may occur when Bob insisted in going out instead of helping Ann as it may bring arguments and frictions. Also the family member being cared for may blame the carer for anything that happens as he or she may expect too much. Angus blamed Ann for his fall. This may bring overwhelming and may feel daunting as it may be...