Centre for Policy on Ageing



Reconsidering the term 'carer' — a critique of the universal adoption of the term 'carer'
Author(s)	Victoria Molineaux, Sarah Butchard, Jane Simpson, Craig Murray
Journal title	Ageing and Society, vol 31, part 3, April 2011
Pages	pp 422-437
Source	http://www.journals.cambridge.org/aso
Keywords	Informal care ; Community care ; Measurement ; Evaluation.
Annotation	This article considers the historical development of the term `carer'. It examines research in various carer-related settings in the UK, such as mental health, physical and intellectual disabilities, cancer, palliative care and dementia. The authors argue that the term carer is no longer effective, and that its continued use should be reconsidered. This conclusion is based on the consistent failure of the term carer as a recognisable and valid description of the relationship between carers and those for whom they care. Also, the term may imply burden and therefore devalue the individual who is cared for, polarising the two individuals who would otherwise work together. Suggests that the description of the caring relationship should focus on the relationship from which it arose. A more accessible term may increase uptake of support services currently aimed at carers. (JL).
Accession Number	CPA-110505006 A
Classmark	P6: PA: 3R: 4C
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.