INFORMAL CARE Flashcards
what is a carer?
is someone, who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.
what is the difference between formal and informal care?
‘Informal care’ is ‘unpaid care’
Formal Care is care provided by the statutory services or a voluntary organisation on a paid basis.
what are the gender proportions of carers in the UK?
men- 42%
women 58%
what can carers do?
- Practical help e.g. preparing food
- Keeping an eye on the care recipient
- Providing company
- Personal care i.e. bathing and dressing
- Giving medication
- Providing physical help i.e. getting in/out of bed
why does it take 54% of carers a year to recognise their caring role?
as its a process and the relationship gradually changes
what are the health effects of caring for siomeone else?
carers are highly likely to have physical and mental health problems and are less likely to report them. it is emotionally heavy and the carer finds little time to look after their own health
what questions must NHS staff ask any patient who is a carer?
Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help and support?
As a result of you being here having (medical) treatment would you be able to continue that care?
Will you need any extra support because of your own health needs/medical treatment which we are discussing today? (if the answer to this question is “yes” the carer should be asked what support they need)
Are you willing/able to continue your caring role?
what is the Carer’s Allowance rate?
what are the criteria for it?
67.25 pounds a week
- must be caring for at least 35 hours a week
- Aged 16 or over
- If working, earnings must be below £110 a week
- Not in receipt of an ‘overlapping benefit’
- Studying no more than 21 hours/week.
- Only get one payment of carer’s allowance even if you care for more than one person
describe the employment policies for carers?
employees can take a ‘reasonable’ time off work, any parents of children under 6 or disabled children under 18, or those caring for adults can request flexible hours
what are some needs of carers that are unmet?
information and advice on available services, health needs, social security benefits, practical and emotional support, training and short-term breaks
what do carers say they want?
- Quality of life for the person they care for
- Quality of life for themselves
- Accurate and honest information about services and what is on offer
- Support and training with those aspects they find difficult
- To know that someone will take over caring in an emergency
why will there be fewer carers in the future?
smaller family sizes, changing role of women, longer working days and life times
how are the carers experts of the patient?
they know their personality, needs, wishes, physical and mental capabilities and limitations and how they react to symptoms
