For a female of the family, the
assumption that they take care
of an elderly relative. A sense
of obligation if the relative is a
parent.
Carers generally don't have any idea of what caring for a relative
might actually entail. In Ann's case she says 'I do everything for my
Dad. Everything! Get him up, shower him, toilet him, dress him,
everything because he can't do it himself!'
Financial difficulties, having
to leave work for example,
also losing contact with
friends, feeling isolated and
lonely.
Annotations:
Ref (The Open University, 2010a, p. 10) in pink
Being torn between roles, if the
carer is a wife or husband they
feel torn between being a
spouse and carer. This also
applies if they have children too.
This affects the quality of
relationships in a family.
Annotations:
Ref (The Open University, 2010a, p. 8) in pink
Being a carer can be hard work physically
as well as mentally. The cared for may
express to the carer that they are burden
which in it self is very emotionally
distressing for the carer.
Annotations:
Ref (The Open University, 2010a, p. 9) In Pink
Other emotions are stress, emotionally
demanding, guilt, and being trapped by
a sense of duty. Also if the cared for
doesn't want anyone else to look after
them, this can put more stress on the
carer as they feel they are prevented
from getting help from anyone.
Annotations:
ref (The Open University, 2010a, p. 8) in pink
The cared for could be quite demanding of the carer
and not understanding that the carer has needs of their
own. This is more apparent if the carer is a child of the
cared for and more so if the carer is a young carer.
Lack of support from official agencies,
generally this is because the carer has
very little information on which to act, or
the carer is reluctant is get help. This is
generally because they don't consider
themselves to be a 'Carer'