Reconceptualising Work with ’Carers’ (Web PDF) von Gordon Grant

Demonstrating the scope and diversity of 'caring', the contributors highlight the positive aspects of caring and the interdependence of many caring relationships but also broach the sensitive and complex subject of 'poor' care and the importance of identifying and meeting the needs of 'hidden carers'.

Introduction, Kirsten Stalker, University of Stirling. 1. Carers: An Overview of Concepts, Developments and Debates, Kirsten Stalker, University of Stirling. 2. Caring Relationships: Looking Beyond Welfare Categories of Carers and Service Users, Liz Lloyd, University of Bristol. 3. Diversity Among Carers, Susan Eley, University of Stirling. 4. Carers and Assessment, Hazel Qureshi, Hilary Arksey and Elinor Nicholas, University of York. 5. Caring Families: Their Support or Empowerment? Gordon Grant, University of Sheffield. 6. Caring Voices: Carers' Participation in Policy and Practice, Helen Rogers and Marion Barnes, University of Birmingham. 7. Carers and Employment, Paul Ramcharan and Bridget Whittell, University of Sheffield. 8. Getting to Grips with Poor Care, Ann Brechin, Rose Barton and June Stein, Open University. 9. The Legal Framework of Caring, Margaret Ross, University of Aberdeen. The Contributors. Subject Index. Author Index.

In the wake of the profound changes in policy and practice around caring over the past ten years, this volume takes a fresh look at the social and legal status of carers. Demonstrating the scope and diversity of 'caring', the contributors highlight the positive aspects of caring and the interdependence of many caring relationships but also broach the sensitive and complex subject of `poor' care and the importance of identifying and meeting the needs of 'hidden carers'.

Arguing that policy and practice must take account of both carers' and users' interests, the contributors re-evaluate the existing role of carers in developing new ideas in the planning and delivery of their services. Each of the book's chapters points to the future and looks at alternative and innovative ways forward in relation to thinking, policy and practice. This will make essential reading for social work and social science academics and students; professionals in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors looking after the interests of carers; health and social care practitioners; nurses and care agency workers.