What are Carers/Caregivers?

Carers/Caregivers Issues

The change in a relationship from partnership to dependence of one on another brings a fundamental shift in the family. The problems may be of an increase in the need for supervision and the provision of shopping to total dependence. In the early stages, people frequently do not recognise themselves as carers/caregivers and thus do not access the available help until the going is becoming difficult.

IN the UK Carers Support Groups will give all sorts of joined up advice about money, mobility, in the UK - carers allowance, dealing with Social Services and Social Security and many other things. ( I was a trustee of the Carers Resource from 1993 to 2003; ed.)

The fact that this situation is so unrecognised is demonstrated by the lack of a word in our language to denote the status of the person being cared for despite the fact that at least one third of us have a carer/"cared for person" relationship. There may well be relationship problems. Although this type of situation mayu occur at any age it is more likely at the extremes of life, babyhood and old age.

Health Issues

Health problems may arise in the family at this stage in life. The recognition of this situation can lead to stress and thus to anxiety or depression.