MHRC Research Seminar: ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Exploring the Issue of Harm to Family Carers

Enjoy free admission, all are welcome.

* Seats are limited and will be allocated on a 'first in, first served' basis.
* Online link will be provided if the seats are full.
* Please note that NO Physiotherapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) CPD points will be offered by the research seminar.

Topic:

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Exploring the Issue of Harm to Family Carers

Speaker:

Professor Alisoun Milne
Emeritus Professor in Social Gerontology and Social Work
School of Social Sciences
University of Kent
United Kingdom

Abstract:

There is increasing demand for family care globally due to an ageing population, growing numbers of disabled adults needing support and reduced access to welfare services. In Europe 80% of long-term care is provided by families. Carers are also caring for longer and are doing more challenging care tasks. Whilst it is well established that intensive caring has a negative impact on carers’ health, quality of life and finances - what we might call indirect harm - far less attention has been paid to direct harm - abuse of the carer by the cared for person. Although limited - and mainly from the UK - evidence suggests that carers at risk of direct harm are embedded in an interdependent familial relationship and are supporting a relative with complex needs such as those arising from dementia or autism. They are most often spouses or parents; the majority are women. Carer harm is conceptually complex: it intersects with notions of ‘intentionality’ and vulnerability and with the existing paradigms of domestic abuse and criminal justice. Practitioners and services struggle to respond appropriately; a key barrier to recognition is a strong policy emphasis on ‘keeping carers caring’. Carer harm is hidden in plain sight on two counts. It falls through the gaps between, broadly, domestic abuse services and services designed to protect vulnerable adults; carer harm is also hidden by carers who are fearful of the moral and practical consequences of disclosure. As carer harm is likely to become a more prevalent issue in the future, it is important to explore directions for research and the development of policy, service and practice responses that offer protection to carers.