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BJSW Advance Access published online on March 29, 2006
British Journal of Social Work, doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcl015
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved

Article

In their Own Right: Translating the Policy of Carer Assessment into Practice

Diane Seddon 1 *, Catherine Robinson 2, Carla Reeves 3, Yvonne Tommis 4, Bob Woods 5, and Ian Russell 6

1 Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales Bangor, Brigantia Building, Penrallt Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2AS, UK
2 Senior Research Fellow
3 Research Officer
4 Research Fellow
5 Professor of Clinical Psychology of Older People
6 Professor of Public Health at the Institute of Medical and Social Care Research at the University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, UK

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Diane Seddon, E-mail: d.seddon{at}bangor.ac.uk


  Abstract

Successive legislation has underscored the importance of assessments that are sensitive to the needs of carers and take into account their ability and willingness to continue caring. This paper synthesizes qualitative and quantitative findings from a continuing programme of carer-related research that began in 1993 and has continued in parallel with legislative changes. It considers the process and characteristics of carer assessment from the perspectives of carers for individuals with a range of health and social care needs, and practitioners. This paper explores the assessment of carer need over time and highlights the considerable and enduring gap between policy and practice. It considers practitioners’ reluctance to offer separate carer assessments, identifies confusion relating to the interpretation of eligibility criteria and documents the limited contribution of health service staff. The need for an evidence-based framework for good practice, that distinguishes between carer needs, service provision and carer outcomes, is highlighted. The paper concludes by identifying key changes that are necessary to promote future good practice, such as staff training and information strategies and the need for practitioners to engage with carers as partners in the care process.

Keywords: carer, assessment, need.
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