Question

Why is it important that support workers understand their legal and ethical obligations when working with carers and families?

Answer 1

It is important to understand the legal and ethical obligations when working with carers and families.

-Duty of care is sometimes thought of as only being related to physical safety.This means agencies are accountable to their clients and the funding bodies to provide the agreed standard of service.
-confidentiality of clients and carers must be maintained at all times.
-Team work enables workers to share experience,knowledge,information and perspectives.

IMPORTANCE OF CARER IN PROVIDING CARE-
-The carer is often the only constant support in a patient's life,as friends lose touch and professionals move away.
-The carer is te one who knows the patient best.They may have regular contact over many years,often with on-going responsibillity for all aspects of the patients welfare.
-The welbeing of the carer can be greatly improve if they are encouraged to feel part of a supportive team,with ready access to up-date information.

ISSSUES RELATED TO CARER AND FAMILIES-
Although there is move towards involving carers as partner's in care,there are still many reasons why they do not receive the information they need.
eg-the patient does not consent to the sharing of information with the carer.
-At time of crisis,relationship can be strained and the family may be exhausted and stressed.The professionals may get a false picture of the long term situation.

KNOWING THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS-
In order to overcome barriers with carer and families in providing and continuing care,
*the issue of confidentiality is discussed with the patient at an early stage wen they are not actually ill
*issues regarding confidentiality are prominently recorded in the patients notes to allow for continuity of care.