Case Study 1
Young Carer Joe
Joe is 16 and lives with his sister and mother. Joe's mother has a physical disability and has received a recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This impacts on her ability to parent to her full potential. Her declining physical wellbeing means she often has restricted mobility and high pain levels. Her symptoms also include extreme lethargy and frequent bouts of low mood.
Joe's Tasks at Home
Cleaning the family home
Prepare meals for the family
Support himself and his younger sister with dressing and bathing
Encouraging his mother to take her daily medication
Assessment
Joe’s form teacher speaks to Joe about a referral to the local Carers Support Organisation. A Young Carer’s Support Worker meets Joe at school and meets with his family at home. The Support Worker completes an assessment with Joe, which looks at the whole family’s needs and what is important to Joe.
Support for Joe
Self-esteem
Professionals and family members begin to meet together on a regular basis, to identify and address the family’s needs. This enables Joe to take part in activities with his friends in the community and identifies support for Joe to develop his self-esteem.