These case studies have been developed from the research and show that that paying for care brings its own challenges and does not necessarily mean you get the care you want or need. They can be used as learning resources for training people who work in care and to build greater awareness of the situations people are facing in self-funded care. All names are fictitious and details that could identify the person have been changed or removed.
Relationships and making decisions about care: Iris
This case study looks at the experiences of Iris who, despite struggling to remain living in her own home is reluctant to give it up as she regards it as the family home. Her story shows how our capacity to make decisions and choices about care are shaped by our relationships with others and by physical and emotional changes that are part of growing older.
Self-funded care and unpaid carers: Louise caring for her mother Agnes
This case study looks at the experiences of Louise who is an unpaid carer for her mother, Agnes, who has dementia, and shows how self-funded care fits into a much bigger and complex picture of their lives.
Finding and accepting care: Jim and Holly
This case study looks at the experiences of a married couple – Jim and Holly. Jim developed Alzheimer’s Disease a few years ago. Holly, his main carer and consultee, had several health issues of her own, including heart disease. They are both in their nineties. Although Jim and Holly are relatively financially secure, they still had difficulty finding and arranging care that met their needs.
Care ... What do you need to know? 