1. Challenging our assumptions about carers Activity three powerpoint

2. A carer identifies themselves as a carer Many dislike the title ‘carer’ – detracts from identity of being husband, wife, son, daughter Confusion over the term ‘carer’ – often used to refer to paid care staff Different cultures use different words to explain the concept of a carer As a result many carers remain ‘hidden’.

3. A carer is able to voice their concerns The cared for person might have been present (carer not wanting to upset them). A carer may feel inhibited by the environment, job titles, uniforms. A carer may not follow what was being said due to fatigue, anxiety, overload.

4. A carer is ‘being difficult’ when they appear angry Likely to be an underlying cause for the anger A carer may be in extreme difficulty rather than it being their personality No steps may have been taken to alleviate the situation and issue is still unresolved

5. A carer will read the information you provide Carer may simply not have time No account taken of the carer’s condition to absorb information eg. lack of sleep, memory problems, stress May not be in an appropriate format or language

6. A carer will have the relevant knowledge and skills May be new to caring role with no previous experience of working in care environment No opportunity provided to the carer for training Information on diagnosis, prognosis and how to deal with condition not provided Carer is included in the meeting but may be ignored

7. A carer will understand jargon and abbreviations Carer may be entering into an unfamiliar world which is confusing and bewildering Carer may be too embarrassed, or is not offered opportunity, to ask staff for clarification Can lead to risks to cared for person’s health as well as their own.

8. A carer is willing to care or able to cope Cared for person may say ‘everything is fine – my family will look after me’. Carer’s views not established Is it clear who is the main carer? Are there hidden carers involved? Young carers? Carer anxiety about emotional, physical and financial impact on the wider family Carer may be ignoring or suppressing own health needs

9. A black, asian & minority ethnic (BAME) carer will not require services because of their extended family BAME carer may experience additional difficulties combining work with caring due to lack of accessible advice and support BAME carer may not share views of caring that are commonly associated with a particular community

10. A carer is involved in meetings with medical or social care staff May be excluded from multi-disciplinary meetings on grounds of confidentiality leaving them worried, isolated and ill-informed If involved, carer may feel they are ignored in discussions

11. A carer is able to support the cared for person to attend appointments Carer may not be consulted or advised about appointment times e.g. carer unaware of letters of appointment sent to cared for person’s home Appointment arranged at unsuitable time or suddenly changed when a carer has made special (and sometimes costly) arrangements Carer difficulties when changing appointments