Carers Flashcards
What is carer strain?
Caregiver stress is due to the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. Caregivers report much higher levels of stress than people who are not caregivers. Many caregivers are providing help or are “on call” almost all day. Sometimes, this means there is little time for work or other family members or friends.
Nearly 3/4 of carers suffer from a resultant mental or physical health problem
What is the caregiver strain index?
The Caregiver Strain Index is a screening instrument which can be used to identify strain of. carers, assess their ability to go on caring and to identify areas where support may be needed.
Strain was defined as ‘those enduring problems that have the potential for arousing threat’
Signs of Caregiver Role Strain
Insomnia or other sleep problems.
Irritability.
Social withdrawal.
Change in appetite.
Chronic tiredness and exhaustion.
Loss of interest in sex.
Loss of interest in hobbies.
Crying easily and often.
Care homes vs nursing homes
Both residential and nursing care homes provide 24 hours with trained staff
Nursing homes staffed by RNs and carers at all times, residential carers only with DN visits
Both registered with CQC as either a care home or a residential home and are regularly assessed
Nursing homes are more expensive than residential homes
Nursing homes may be more suitable for people with complex needs, extensive pressure sores, devices such as catheters and pegs
What is active listening
Encouraging and supporting the person who is listening
Allowing and assisting the person to tell their ‘‘story’’ in their own way
Showing that you are listening - words, body language, facial expression
Adapting your communication style to suit who you are speaking with
Recognizing and acknowledging the feelings expressed
Acknowledging what was said - e.g. by summarizing and checking back
Asking questions for clarification or expansion
Who might receive carer’s allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit available to those who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. If you care for more than one person, you will not eligible for a higher sum. And if a person has multiple carers only one person can claim.
Non means tested but must have a post-tax and NI income under a set amount (£132 a week)
Up to £69.70/week
What problems might carers face?
- Irregular Work Hours Care workers often work long, irregular hours, especially independent care workers who travel from home to home.
- Work Overload
- Limited Training
- Lack of Mentoring and Supervision
- Personal Safety when caring
- Dealing with the Loss of someone they care for
- Maintaining Good Relationships with Family & Other Healthcare Professionals
- Limitations in temrs of carers allowance
Barriers to carer physical health?
High levels of unpredictability and uncontrollability in a caring role. Being in a caring role can make planning and consistency difficult at times. This can affect commitments to physical activity, eating routines, and sleeping patterns.
Chronic stress: Carers can be exposed to consistent stress over a long period of time as caring roles can be intensive and demanding. Carers may turn to unhelpful coping strategies such as smoking, alcohol overconsumption, and having an unbalanced diet.
Lack of time for the carers themselves: Being a carer can consume large and varying amounts of time. If a carer has responsibilities on top of their caring role, this can leave little time for having a work/life balance.
Isolation from social supports and services: Time and energy dedicated to a caring role can often isolate a carer from their social supports and services available.
How can a caring role pose a risk to carers physical health?
59% of carers reported their health had been affected by their caring role
Carers are twice as likely to experience high levels of physical pain in comparison to the general Australian population
The wellbeing of carers is more vulnerable to pain than is normal
33% reported back, neck and shoulder problems
31% reported disturbed or lost sleep
Carers often neglect their own health
Potential mental health implications of being a carer?
Stress
Anxiety
Feelings of guilt
Loneliness
Depression
Fatigue
Anger
Frustration
Resentment
How to minimize social/physical/mental impacts of caring?
Erguonmics
Correct moving and handling techniques
Support from community care teams
Respite care
Carers allowance
Moving and handeling equipitment
Carers UK information and support helpline
Support groups
