K101 What Might Be Some of the Difficulties and Rewards of Being a Carer for a Family Member?

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What might be some of the difficulties and rewards of being a carer for a family member? In 2006 it was estimated that in the UK there were 6 million people providing unpaid care for a family member who was sick, an older adult or disabled. In previous years these family carers have been referred to as unpaid or informal carers. The term carer does not just apply to a person whom is employed and paid to support another with an illness or disability, but those people who care for their significant others during these times ill health and disability (Walmsley, 2010a, p. 12) This essay aims to look at how being a carer may impact on an individual, focusing on the rewards and difficulties that may arise whilst caring for a family member. The case study of Anne Walker (Cavaye, 2010a, pp.5-21) from the K101 Resources book will be used to for illustration purposes. Anne became the main carer for her step father Angus after the loss of her Mother. There are many difficulties that can arise when caring for a family member, it can be both mentally and physically draining on a person. One of the main points that Anne makes during the case study interviews is the hard work involved. Anne has found it difficult to cope with the demands of caring for her step farther. She describes herself at times feeling physically exhausted (Cavaye, 2010b, p.8). This was also a result of not of not getting enough sleep. Anne although not needing to care for her father during the night would hear him move and this woke wake her, she describes herself to have felt that she is at breaking point. A combination of these factors led her to seek help from her GP, as a result Anne was prescribed antidepressants. Research undertaken in 2003 shows Anne’s feelings of psychological distress are common and can affect up to one half of family carers (Oyebody,

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