Factors that might help or hinder carers
Table 4.1 sets out a range of positive factors and possible difficulties that carers might face when returning to work or balancing employment with their caring role.
| Positive factors | Possible difficulties |
|---|---|
| More time available | Lack of time |
| Good health | Poor mental health, poor physical health |
| Communication skills | Unpredictability of caring role |
| Flexible | No childcare |
| Resilience | Lack of confidence |
| Adaptability | Lack of transport |
| Knowing what I want to do | I don’t know what I want to do |
| Maturity | No space to study |
| Ability to manage and juggle different activities | Financial worries |
| Supportive employer | Inflexible employer |
| Open to try new things | Don’t know where to go for help |
| Good support network | Lack of support networks – family live far away |
Activity 4.3 Factors that help or hinder carers
Thinking of the carers you have met during the course, or carers that you know or support at work, think about some of the factors that may help or hinder them. Note your thoughts in your notebook or Reflection Log.
Go to Activity 4.3 in your Reflection Log. Once you have completed the activity make sure you save the document again. Alternatively, you can use this document [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] but don’t forget to save it.
If you are doing this course as part of a group or with a mentor then you can share your answers and discuss your notes with others.
Support within the workplace