K101 - Tma01

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What might be some of the difficulties and rewards of being a carer for a family member? Use examples from unit 1 to illustrate your answer. The Term “carer” is defined by the government as; ‘someone who looks after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability’. The Carers Trust adds ‘substance misuse problems’ (CarersTrust UK, 2013). Although Ann (case study 1) fits in with the government definition, she does not see herself as a carer. This is a common feeling among people who care for family members. My aim is to highlight and discuss some of the difficulties and rewards of caring for a family member. Examples used will be from various sources, including a case study of Ann Walker, research studies by Hussein et al (2002), Townsend (1957) and Dutch et al (2006). There are many difficulties and rewards of caring for a family member, this depends on many factors; who are you caring for, if you are close to them, how much choice you had in becoming a carer, if you had to leave your job, personal attributes and how other family relationships are managed. If you have a strong relationship prior to caring for them and chose to be the carer this can be positive. If not, stresses and isolation you may feel could be stronger. Ann felt she had no choice, people expected her to care for Angus and she felt a sense of duty from her promise to her mother. However, Ann loves Angus, which makes it easier for her to cope. If you have never cared for someone who is ill before, this can be stressful and alter relationships negatively. Ann’s family felt neglected, and Ann did not feel in control because of the difficulty balancing her family and caring role. Information on how, what and where to get help often does not reach carers in need, and in order to receive help the carer needs to accept and be recognised as a

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