Bullet Point 4

Question 1

what gives informal care?

Answer 1

immediate family members

extended family members

neighbours

friends

volunteers friends

faith groups

informal networks

Question 2

strengths of informal care

Answer 2

cost effective- lot less expensive

flexibility- greater flexibility in relation to visiting time, as private care provision has restricted opening/closing times

promotes good relationships between carer and older service user- lead to greater understanding, leads to better quality care

one-to-one attention given- enhance quality of care, opportunity for carer to build a good trusting relationship

consistency- over a long period of time therefore helping build good relationship- less confusing if its consistently the same time and person

trust- enhancing user self-esteem

familiar surroundings- help reduce anxiety e.g. for someone who is unwell

less risks of contracting disease- less people in contact with user

independence- retains own independence by some one they know and trust in their home

reduces strain on statutory and voluntary services- dramatically reduces the strain on the voluntary sectors for older people

Question 3

weaknesses of informal care

Answer 3

unregulated- they are limited checks on quality of care given to older person, may not receive quality care

no criminal check required- therefore greater potentila for neglect and abuse

lack of essential skills and traimimh- they are iften professionally untrained resulting in them no being fully equipped to provide quality care

reduced social interaction- they may miss out on oppourtunities to socialise with others compared to the social needs mets in a nursing home

unreliable- they may be no one to cover the if the carer is ill or is going on holiday

enviornment may be unsafe- user may be more vunerable to crime living in their home- easier target

stress- may experience stress and not cope well with demands of caring role

burden- feel like a burden on family

needs may not be met- user may feel uncomfortable/embarrased, as a result needs may not be met- lack of appropriate knowledge and understanding