Informal Care (Sociology)

Question 1

What is informal care?

Answer 1

Provided by individuals with a close relationship to the person requiring care

Not paid, not trained.

Provide care as a social obligation

Predominate system of long term care provision

Question 2

Challenges/Impacts of providing informal care?

Answer 2

• Reduced independence and social participation
• Social isolation
• Reduced social status - wrong undervalued by society
• Loss of income/ financial hardship - carers allowance 76.75GBP for 35 hours a week
• Exhaustion and lack of respite
• Declining physical and mental health due to nature/stress of caring role
• Breakdown/change in relationship with the person being cared for