Community Work and Family, 10(2), May 2007, pp.139-160.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This paper reports on a study which investigated how working carers and managers in two public sector organizations - a Social Services Department (SSD) and a National Health Service (NHS) Trust - combined their work and caring responsibilities. A multi-method approach was adopted consisting of five phases. First, a profile of the two organizations was established, followed by a short screening questionnaire to all employees to identify who was caring for an older adult over the age of 60. Third, a lengthier postal survey was sent to the 365 carers who had indicated a willingness to participate further. In the fourth and fifth phases, carers and managers were interviewed in depth about their experiences. This paper reports briefly on the survey, but then concentrates in particular on what was said in the interviews about what helps and hinders working carers of older adults. Despite the existence of policies to support carers, the findings suggest that these were far less important than informal support from colleagues and a sympathetic manager in the workplace. Commuting distance between work, home and the older person also posed difficulties for carers, along with inflexible schedules and work overload. Employers are urged to explore these issues further if they are serious about recruiting and retaining employees, and developing the work - life balance agenda to meet the needs of those caring for older and disabled adults.
This paper reports on a study which investigated how working carers and managers in two public sector organizations - a Social Services Department (SSD) and a National Health Service (NHS) Trust - combined their work and caring responsibilities. A multi-method approach was adopted consisting of five phases. First, a profile of the two organizations was established, followed by a short screening questionnaire to all employees to identify who was caring for an older adult over the age of 60. Third, a lengthier postal survey was sent to the 365 carers who had indicated a willingness to participate further. In the fourth and fifth phases, carers and managers were interviewed in depth about their experiences. This paper reports briefly on the survey, but then concentrates in particular on what was said in the interviews about what helps and hinders working carers of older adults. Despite the existence of policies to support carers, the findings suggest that these were far less important than informal support from colleagues and a sympathetic manager in the workplace. Commuting distance between work, home and the older person also posed difficulties for carers, along with inflexible schedules and work overload. Employers are urged to explore these issues further if they are serious about recruiting and retaining employees, and developing the work - life balance agenda to meet the needs of those caring for older and disabled adults.
Subject terms:
managers, NHS, older people, organisations, policy, social services, carers, employment;
Examines research, policy and practice relating to older people; analyses changes in policy following legislation introduced since 1992; looks at recent changes in the organisation and provision of services, including the NHS; and highlights issues of current concern, such as continuing care and the abuse of older people.
Examines research, policy and practice relating to older people; analyses changes in policy following legislation introduced since 1992; looks at recent changes in the organisation and provision of services, including the NHS; and highlights issues of current concern, such as continuing care and the abuse of older people.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, long term care, NHS, older people, social policy, social care provision, community care, elder abuse, employment, health care;
Employers are increasingly aware of the need for 'family-friendly' policy and practice in order to support workers who have caring responsibilities for older adults. This study investigated how working carers and managers in public sector organisations employing large numbers of women (a Social Services Department and a NHS Trust) combined these roles and responsibilities. Both organisations had a variety of family-friendly policies and were in the process of developing and implementing others.
Employers are increasingly aware of the need for 'family-friendly' policy and practice in order to support workers who have caring responsibilities for older adults. This study investigated how working carers and managers in public sector organisations employing large numbers of women (a Social Services Department and a NHS Trust) combined these roles and responsibilities. Both organisations had a variety of family-friendly policies and were in the process of developing and implementing others.
Provides a historical background to the modern welfare state, and chapters on social security, various client groups, housing, employment, offenders, social work, Social Services Departments finance, and complaints procedures.
Provides a historical background to the modern welfare state, and chapters on social security, various client groups, housing, employment, offenders, social work, Social Services Departments finance, and complaints procedures.
Subject terms:
housing, learning disabilities, mental health problems, NHS, offenders, older people, physical disabilities, social services, social work history, child care, complaints, education, employment;
The final report of the Intergenerational Commission, which was convened by the Resolution Foundation to explore questions of intergenerational fairness in Britain. It provides an analysis of the intergenerational challenges the country faces and sets out a policy programme to tackle them. It draws on an examination of the experiences and prospects of different generations in Britain covering the areas of jobs and pay; housing; pensions, and living standards. The findings include that young adults have experienced poor pay outcomes, in contrast to older generations and young adults are making no income progress and accumulating much less wealth. The report also highlights risk for older people, due increasing need for health and social care services. Recommendations for policy include an increase in public funding for social care of more than £2 billion from reformed taxation of property, alongside property-based private contributions towards care costs; and the introduction of an ‘NHS levy’ via National Insurance on the earnings of those above State Pension age and limited National Insurance on occupational pension income.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The final report of the Intergenerational Commission, which was convened by the Resolution Foundation to explore questions of intergenerational fairness in Britain. It provides an analysis of the intergenerational challenges the country faces and sets out a policy programme to tackle them. It draws on an examination of the experiences and prospects of different generations in Britain covering the areas of jobs and pay; housing; pensions, and living standards. The findings include that young adults have experienced poor pay outcomes, in contrast to older generations and young adults are making no income progress and accumulating much less wealth. The report also highlights risk for older people, due increasing need for health and social care services. Recommendations for policy include an increase in public funding for social care of more than £2 billion from reformed taxation of property, alongside property-based private contributions towards care costs; and the introduction of an ‘NHS levy’ via National Insurance on the earnings of those above State Pension age and limited National Insurance on occupational pension income.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
employment, housing, pensions, older people, young people, young adults, wages, standard of living, adults, social care, health care, NHS, welfare state, families, financing, unmet need, costs, policy;
Report reviewing ways of meeting both social care delivery and economic development goals in the health and community care sectors. Identifies examples of good practice and also strategies for: commissioning and providing care; ensuring that issues of equality are addressed in developing career opportunities for care workers; in integrating employment and regeneration strategies with the planning of service provision; and in sustaining the sector in the long term.
Report reviewing ways of meeting both social care delivery and economic development goals in the health and community care sectors. Identifies examples of good practice and also strategies for: commissioning and providing care; ensuring that issues of equality are addressed in developing career opportunities for care workers; in integrating employment and regeneration strategies with the planning of service provision; and in sustaining the sector in the long term.
Subject terms:
home care, long term care, mixed economy of care, NHS, older people, private sector, recruitment, residential care, regeneration, social services, social care, social care provision, staff, staff development, training, care homes, commissioning, employment, equal opportunities, financing, health care;
University of Bristol. School for Advanced Urban Studies
Publication year:
1994
Pagination:
450p.,tables,bibliogs.
Place of publication:
Bristol
Collection of papers drawing together recent research into changes in social policy over the last 10 years. Examines both the pressures for change and the impact that it has had on major policy areas. Chapters focus on urban policy, health and social care, housing, and labour markets. Also looks at: management in the public sector; quality and decentralisation; the changing role of the non-profit sector; information technology and organisational change; quasi-markets and social policy; privatisation and quasi-markets; the NHS and health care expenditure; user empowerment and older people; the housing market; and the Social Charter and Europeanisation of employment and social policy.
Collection of papers drawing together recent research into changes in social policy over the last 10 years. Examines both the pressures for change and the impact that it has had on major policy areas. Chapters focus on urban policy, health and social care, housing, and labour markets. Also looks at: management in the public sector; quality and decentralisation; the changing role of the non-profit sector; information technology and organisational change; quasi-markets and social policy; privatisation and quasi-markets; the NHS and health care expenditure; user empowerment and older people; the housing market; and the Social Charter and Europeanisation of employment and social policy.
Subject terms:
housing, information management, information technology, labour market, local government, management, NHS, older people, public expenditure, public sector, social policy, urban areas, user participation, voluntary organisations, central government, change management, community care, employment, empowerment, European Union, expenditure, health care;
immigrants, homeless people, homelessness, housing, inner cities, learning disabilities, legal aid, local authorities, local government, local government finance, mental health problems, NHS, mothers, offenders, older people, physical disabilities, probation, poverty, pre-school children, punishment, social services, social work, social care provision, urban areas, welfare state, young people, after care, alcohol misuse, benefits, central government, children, community health care, drug misuse, education, employment, family planning, financing, Gypsies, health care;