* Ongoing support and reassessment should be planned to monitor changes in the carer’s health, increasing needs of the patient and changes in personal circumstances, all of which can add to the pressure of the situation
Patients and carers should be given the opportunity to work with health and social care-providers to set clear goals through open and honest discussion about the implications of caring for a dependent person
7. L'se of a tool such as the Cost of Care index (Kosberg & Cairl 1986) can identify potential conflict and allow appropriate care planning; without guilt on behalf of the care-provider or inappropriate expectations from care agencies
* Since the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995, any person providing substantial care on a regular basis’ has the right to request a social services assessment. Further requirements for health and social services to provide carer support are outlined in the Carers (Equal Opportunities Act 2004.