Working in collaboration with informal carers
Aim
This unit is about working with informal carers such as family members, friends or neighbours to deliver suitable care for an individual. It looks at ensuring the individual's needs are met, recognising practice that should be challenged and helping informal carers to develop their skills.
Outcome 1 Describe the role of informal carers
1.1 describe the difference between formal and informal carers
1.2 identify a range of people who may act as informal carers
1.3 describe the type of activities an informal carer may undertake
1.4 describe how caring for an individual might affect the carer.
Outcome 2 Describe how to work effectively with informal carers
1.1 outline the codes of practice which relate to working with informal carers
1.2 explain the importance of being person-centred when working with informal carers
1.3 outline the benefits and limitations of working with informal carers
1.4 identify practice that should be challenged
1.5 describe ways of developing the practice of informal carers.
This assignment comprises two tasks. Both tasks must be successfully completed to pass this unit.
Task A
1 Interview an informal carer. Make a record of:
a the relationship of the carer to the individual
b the type of activities they undertake that help to care for the individual
2 Contrast this with your own role as a formal care worker.
a What are the differences?
b What is similar?
Task B
1 Either prepare a presentation or prepare a written piece of work describing a situation where an informal carer is not offering good care to an individual. This could be based on a real life or imaginary example. Explain:
a why the practice is not acceptable
b what could be done to help the informal carer realise that their practice is not acceptable
c how to help the informal carer develop their practice
d action to be taken if the practice does not improve.
In your work consider:
• the rights of the individual
• the limitations of your role and responsibility
• any legal requirements