2A Assess potential risks of change to the care relationship

In some situations the care relationship between a carer and the person receiving care may not remain stable. Changes in the capacity of the carer to provide care and support may change for a variety of reasons. The carer may not be able to maintain their ability to care for the person in the short-term and may require some additional support. In some situations the carer may not be able to provide care in the longer term, leading to a need for consideration of alternative care arrangements.

As a support worker, you need to be alert to changes in the care relationship and consider how to assess potential risks which might arise when a change occurs. Changes in the care relationship can result in both physical and psychological risks of harm for both the carer and the person receiving care and support. You may need to take some action or seek further advice about how to provide appropriate support to help the caring relationship to become more positive and to facilitate its ongoing maintenance.