Information about caregiving
This section will provide you with some information about what a caregiver is, who are caregivers and the types of tasks or responsibilities caregivers perform.
What is a caregiver?
A caregiver is an individual who provides help and support for someone who is dependent on them, (this person is often called the care-recipient).
Who are caregivers?
Formal caregivers
There are individuals within the health and social care professions such as nurses who have a career in providing what is known as formal care. Their profession involves providing care in areas such as NHS or private institutions and also in the community, in peoples’ homes.
Family caregivers
A large proportion of care for the sick, disabled or elderly is provided by family members (spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren and in-laws) or friends.
Recent government research suggests that these types of caregivers save the NHS and state 57 billion pounds per year.
However family members providing support do not always recognise or define themselves as caregivers. Care provision is not usually their profession but sometimes, involves being responsible for and providing care to a family member 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other family caregivers provide care on a part-time basis. Often the quality and level of care provided by family members is above and beyond the level of that provided by formal caregivers.
What tasks do family caregivers perform?
Caregivers can perform a multitude of tasks anything from emotional, instrumental to practical support.
1. Emotional support- comforting when the recipient is in distress, listening and exchanging conversations.
2. Instrumental support- taking the recipient to appointments, hospital visits, supermarkets or running errands for the recipient.
3. Practical support- toileting, bathing, dressing, feeding and hoisting the recipient.
The type and degree of caregiving can vary according to the relation to, and needs of, the recipient.
E.g., a spouse may provide practical support whereas a daughter may provide emotional support. Or sometimes if the recipient is able to perform daily/ practical tasks a family member will provide more emotional or instrumental support.
Family caregivers are the interest of the current research
Am I a caregiver?
You are eligible to participate in this questionnaire-based study if you perform caregiving activities, chores, or roles for a family member or friend who suffers from one of the following illnesses/disabilities: cancer, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease and who have been diagnosed within three months. Caregivers younger than 18 years cannot participate for ethical reasons.
