3B Identify and respond to the need for services required by the carer

Providing care and support invariably has an effect on the carer’s life, so it is necessary to identify what services they may need to minimise or manage these effects, and to respond to these needs appropriately. Support workers can help by talking to carers about how they are feeling and being observant of signs that a carer is struggling or uncomfortable in their role. Signs might include comments made by the carer, fatigue or exhaustion, difficulty with tasks, inability to maintain a family home, problems meeting own personal needs (such as, attending a doctor’s visit or participating in recreation and specific questions) and requests for services that might help. Although the needs of each carer will be different according to their situation and the level of care they are providing, some needs are predictable.

Here are some service areas that could be helpful for a carer.