Some people are easier to care for than others. That's a simple truth that we'd do well not to ignore. This factor is so significant in the Care Equation that it can make all the difference, even if all the other scores are low.
For more information on the Care Equation please listen to the audio file.
I believe if someone is easy to care for then we have a responsibility to rise to the occasion and care for them. Being easy to care for is a spiritual state.
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If someone is difficult to care for it can either be intrinsic to their nature or it could be largely due to the disease. Or, it could be due to the difficulty and confusion caused by not enough support and care.
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Often when someone is well cared for, their personality improves and they can be very grateful. However, I have known caregivers that have committed to the care of an abusive parent and been retraumatized by the experience.
The Care Recipient Profile
If there are other qualities that should be assessed or acknowledged I'd love to hear back from you.
Please note this is not a full assessment or a personality test. This is mainly to get you thinking about what qualities make a person easier or more difficult to care for so you can better assess what level of commitment and what level of support is needed to care for this person.