Social Care

Extensive research, focusing on caring within families, identifies the three main factors that influence caring relationships to be; the quality of the relationship between the carer and cared for, how much choice the carer had over acquiring their role and the amount and nature of external support received (K101, Unit 1, p.26). In this essay I will use these three factors to focus on the relationship between the care provider and the care receiver.

Good introduction; and I'm really pleased to see you focus on the there main factors from relevant research.

A care relationship has to be ‘constructed' (K101, Unit 4, p.177) and the quality of this relationship directly affects the experience of being cared for and the quality of the care received. Yes. A caring relationship is different from those we usually encounter, ‘normal' relationships. In all forms of care, formal or informal, a person will encounter conflicts and pressures at some point whether it is as a care- giver or receiver, unless attention is paid to develop a constant relationship. Using relevant literature and a case study focusing on Anwar Malik, a Muslim from Pakistan living in the Midlands, who is diagnosed with diabetes. (reference?) I will examine how the relationship between the carer and the cared for affects the experience of being cared for and the quality of the care received. I will do this from the perspective of the care receiver. Do you think the question suggests you should just consider the perspective of the care-receiver? Or the care provider as well?

I will outline the potential problem, illustrate how such problems can arise and suggest a possible solution.

The first issue I will discuss relates to identity. When Anwar was diagnosed with diabetes he was given advice on how to alter his diet to better manage the condition and a self monitoring kit to test his blood glucose. Such changes can make patients feel their identity is being compromised.• Another physical illustration to clearly demonstrate this point is the act of care receivers having to give their valuable possessions to the nursing staff, for their safe keeping, being told when to go to bed and turn the light off and when to eat meal at set times. Without doing so the hospital would not be able to run smoothly, but this does not detract from the fact that it may make the care receiver feel their life isn't their own anymore.• Advice from The Alzheimer's Society states that when a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. The people closest to them - including their carers, friends and family - need to do everything they can to help the person to retain their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth (Alzheimer's Society, 2011).

Anwar's situation