Carrie (Aged 17) Is a Lone Carer for Her Mother Who Has Bipolar Disorder. As a Young Teen

CASE STUDIES

Carrie

Carrie (aged 17) is a lone carer for her mother who has bipolar disorder. As a young teen, Carrie was placed into care. She has now returned home and is providing emotional and domestic support for her mother.

Carrie does not recognise herself as a carer. Carrie realises that she has educational needs, having missed most of her GCSE exams due to caring, and is concerned about whether or not she could gain a college place or a job. Her mother wants parenting advice, domestic support and benefits advice.

Sean (aged 16) lives with his parents. His father has spina bifida, a brain tumour, diabetes, heart disease and a faulty heart valve. Due to poor health, he also has depression. Although his mother is the primary carer, she works part time and needs to continue this for her own mental wellbeing. Sean is therefore responsible for dressing and bathing his father and for his emotional care. Caring means that Sean cannot concentrate in school, argues with teachers and constantly worries about his father and lack of finance.

Indra, aged 17, was studying for her ‘A’ levels when her mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia. Her father worked long shifts and had decided that Indra, being an only child, should stop attending her course with immediate effect and care for her mother.

The college contacted Indra to find out why she had not been attending her college courses and found out about her situation. The college support worker persuaded Indra to be referred to the local authority for a young carer’s assessment.

What does new legislation say we should be doing to support each of these young carers?

Who needs to do what in order to support each of the young carers?

Adapted from SCIE Guidance Practice Examples of Young Carers in Transition http://www.scie.org.uk/care-act-2014/transition-from-childhood-to-adulthood/young-carer- transition-in-practice/additional-practice-examples.asp