ABSTRACT

Input from formal services can make a significant difference in the lives of informal carers. This chapter illustrates some of the changes in carer circumstances between the user's referral to social services and the continuing care period, when services had been in place for six months or more. First, changes in principal carer inputs are described, as well as differences in the amount and frequency of support provided by secondary carers. Second, changes in carer stress — both self-perceived stress and stress scores — are discussed. There is a considerable literature which examines the effect of changes in carer employment upon caring activities and, to a lesser degree, one which evaluates the impact of caring responsibilities upon employment. Principal carers were first asked about the manner in which social services had assessed their needs and tried to help.