Describe Difficlties and Rewards of Being a Carer for a Family Member
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- Date Submitted: 03/26/2014 05:04 AM
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Part A
Describe the difficulties and the awards of being a carer for a family member
Advancement in medical technologies and better medical techniques means people are living longer, whilst on the other hand the ageing population points to a growing number of more and more very frail, older people in need of support and care. Compounding the situation is a growing number of people with very profound and complex physical impairment and learning disabilities that leave them unable to undertake activities of daily living (ADL) and some needing palliative care. With the NHS struggling under the strain of funding cuts, an army of not often heralded informal carers has been covering the gap, saving the economy billions of pounds every year.
This essay will first give a description of a carer and then give an account of difficulties and rewards of being a carer for a family member. The government definition of a carer means:
someone who looks after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability. It further states that it doesn’t mean a professional care worker in a nursing home, for example-or someone employed be a disabled person (Directgov, 2006).
With reference to unit one of the Module Resource Handbook, carer’s responsibility can impact on the trend of what is normal family life, leaving one isolated and struggling to find time for oneself. Ann found herself increasingly caring for Angus without her realizing that she was his main carer. Angus depended upon Ann in most of his care needs and Ann subconsciously immersed herself into taking care of Angus like a dutiful daughter (page 15). Ann did not have any choice and found it difficult to back out of this role but stated she was honouring the promise that she gave to her mother that she would help to look after Angus. Jan Walmsley (2010) states that society assumes caring is traditionally a woman’s role. (K101, Unit 1, Page 30) Ann sees no choice but to...
Describe the difficulties and the awards of being a carer for a family member
Advancement in medical technologies and better medical techniques means people are living longer, whilst on the other hand the ageing population points to a growing number of more and more very frail, older people in need of support and care. Compounding the situation is a growing number of people with very profound and complex physical impairment and learning disabilities that leave them unable to undertake activities of daily living (ADL) and some needing palliative care. With the NHS struggling under the strain of funding cuts, an army of not often heralded informal carers has been covering the gap, saving the economy billions of pounds every year.
This essay will first give a description of a carer and then give an account of difficulties and rewards of being a carer for a family member. The government definition of a carer means:
someone who looks after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability. It further states that it doesn’t mean a professional care worker in a nursing home, for example-or someone employed be a disabled person (Directgov, 2006).
With reference to unit one of the Module Resource Handbook, carer’s responsibility can impact on the trend of what is normal family life, leaving one isolated and struggling to find time for oneself. Ann found herself increasingly caring for Angus without her realizing that she was his main carer. Angus depended upon Ann in most of his care needs and Ann subconsciously immersed herself into taking care of Angus like a dutiful daughter (page 15). Ann did not have any choice and found it difficult to back out of this role but stated she was honouring the promise that she gave to her mother that she would help to look after Angus. Jan Walmsley (2010) states that society assumes caring is traditionally a woman’s role. (K101, Unit 1, Page 30) Ann sees no choice but to...