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There is
no 'typical' carer. What unites carers is that
they all provide unpaid, informal care and
support to family or friends who have a
chronic or acute condition, mental illness,
disability, or who are frail aged.
A care situation can begin at the birth of a
child with disabilities; it can happen
suddenly as the result of an accident or can
develop over a number of years as a condition
worsens. Most carers feel they have no choice
but to be a carer and some would rather not be
in the role.
Carers may assist with tasks of daily living,
and spend their days feeding, bathing,
dressing, toileting, transferring, or
administering medications. Others care for
people who are independent but need help with
their finances and transport. Carers also
provide emotional support day in and day out
for some of the most marginalised members of
our community. Carers can be any age or
ethnicity and either gender (although research
shows that 71% of primary carers are female).
Some carers are eligible for government
benefits, while others are employed or have a
private income.
The care role impacts heavily on carers. Many
carers are chronically tired and crave a night
of unbroken sleep, a day off or an extended
period with no caring responsibilities so they
can regain a sense of well being. It is not
uncommon for carers to forego paid work, a
career, and education. Carers can also miss
out on important social relationships
including those associated with work,
recreation, and leisure pursuits, which may
leave them feeling very isolated.
The establishment of Carer Support Groups is
one way in which a local community can support
its carers. Such groups should aim to enhance
carers' knowledge, skills, and ability to
carry out their caring role through better
caring for themselves. Support groups can also
explore the benefits of humour, encouraging
carers to maintain good health and wellbeing
through a sense of fun…
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Andersen Counselling &
Advice, Chelmsford, Essex UK.
Andersen Counselling © 2005-2011.
All rights reserved. Created by CWD
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