[Answered]: Question PC 3.1 Objective: Support family and carers.

Question PC 3.1 Objective: Support family and carers. Use the following case study, how can you help provide support to family and carers of an older person. Linda is the primary carer for her mother Holly. Holly is 91 , and has Alzheimer’s. Linda is married with three children and works part time. She used to work full time, but when her mother’s needs increased, Linda cut back to look after her mother. Linda visits her mother daily. She helps dress her, and prepare her meals for the day. She helps Holly with her daily schedule, and reminds her of any appointments or activities she has planned. If Holly has a doctor’s appointment, Linda accompanies her to the clinic. Holly hasn’t got many friends anymore. She is often lonely and relies heavily on Linda both physically and emotionally. After several years of caring for her mother, Linda starts to experience exhaustion and signs of depression. She has little time for her own family, or interests. She sometimes feels resentful towards her mother, but does not complain, as she regards it as her duty to provide support. Tamara, Holly’s case worker, notices that Linda is struggling. She calls Linda in for a chat, and suggests that she might need some time out to look after her own needs. Tamara suggests putting Linda in touch with a respite service that may be able to address Holly’s needs some of the time, so Linda can have a break.