1.2 Identify factors that may affect the level of involvement of family members

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Identify factors that may affect the level of involvement of family members.

Family members play a vital role in supporting individuals who have care and support needs. The level of their involvement is not the same for everyone and can change over time. Various factors can either strengthen or limit how much families can help. Recognising these factors allows health and social care workers to offer the right support and guidance.

Health and Wellbeing of Family Members

The physical and mental health of family members has a big impact on how much they can contribute. If a carer has their own health problems, this may restrict activities they can manage.

For example:

• A family member with mobility issues may not be able to help with lifting or personal care.
• If someone is experiencing depression or anxiety, this can affect energy, motivation, and patience.
• Long-term medical conditions or disabilities can reduce availability and involvement.

If the carer’s health worsens, their ability to support may decrease.

Other Commitments

Family members often juggle different roles and responsibilities. Other commitments can limit time and energy for caring.

These may include:

• Paid employment or shift work
• Looking after children or other relatives
• Education or training
• Volunteering or involvement in the community

When family members have multiple demands on their time, they may not always be available for support.

Family Relationships and Dynamics

The nature of relationships within a family shapes involvement. Close, supportive ties often lead to higher levels of input. However, if there is conflict, resentment, or a history of difficult relationships, involvement may decrease.

Relationship dynamics may be influenced by:

• Past family history
• Communication styles
• Cultural expectations
• Disagreements about care decisions

If several family members are involved, roles and responsibilities may be unclear or disputed.

Geographical Distance

Where people live affects their ability to help. If a family member lives far away, regular visits or hands-on care become harder.

Factors that influence this include:

• Living in different towns, cities, or even countries
• Lack of access to reliable transport
• Travel costs and time involved

In such cases, support may be limited to phone calls, virtual contact, or providing money rather than direct care.

Financial Situation

Money worries can influence the amount and type of support families provide.

Challenges may include:

• Inability to pay for extra care, travel, or equipment
• Loss of income if a family member reduces working hours to care
• Struggle to meet both the cared-for person’s needs and their own household bills

Good financial resources can allow greater flexibility, such as paying for home help. Financial strain can sometimes lead to stress and less involvement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence

A lack of understanding or experience can make family members feel unable to take on certain roles.

Barriers can include:

• Feeling unsure about how to carry out care tasks safely
• Not knowing about health conditions or available support
• Lacking training in areas like medication management or moving and handling

With the right information and training, some of these barriers can be reduced.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs

Different cultures have varied expectations about family care. Some traditions see family as the main source of support, while others rely more on formal services.

Beliefs may shape:

• Gender roles in caring (e.g., daughters expected to help parents)
• Attitudes towards outside help
• Beliefs about long-term care and whether it is appropriate outside the family

Religious beliefs may influence the type of support provided, particularly around food, prayer, and end-of-life care.

Wishes and Needs of the Individual

The person needing support may want independence and privacy, preferring less involvement from family, especially in personal care.

Other factors include:

• Personality and preferences
• Age and stage of life
• Willingness to accept help
• Emotional reactions such as embarrassment or pride

Consent is key. No one should force their help on someone who does not want it.

Nature and Severity of Needs

The level and type of support required will influence family involvement.

Factors here include:

• How severe the individual’s disability or illness is
• Whether care is needed 24/7 or only occasionally
• Types of support required (e.g., personal care, supervision, emotional help)

If a person’s care needs become very high, families may not be able to meet them without formal support.

Support from Professionals and Services

The availability of organised support affects family roles.

If there is strong support from carers, nurses, or day centres, families may adopt more of a supporting or advocacy role rather than carrying out all tasks themselves.

Examples include:

• Use of respite care or day services
• Professional home carers carrying out personal care
• District nurses giving medical support

Access to these services can reduce strain and allow families to focus on emotional support or companionship.

Legal Responsibilities

Some family members may hold Power of Attorney, deputy status, or be named next of kin.

This can:

• Increase involvement in decision making
• Mean extra duties with paperwork and finances

If no one has legal responsibility, involvement may decrease and decisions be made by external professionals.

Emotional Attachment and Motivation

Emotional closeness can make family members more willing to help. A lack of attachment or history of abuse or neglect may limit involvement.

Motivation can also be influenced by:

• Desire to repay past support (“giving back”)
• Feelings of duty or loyalty
• Guilt or sense of responsibility

Motivation can change over time as situations develop.

Availability of Other Support Networks

If there are several willing relatives or friends, tasks can be shared. In families without much wider support, one person may take on a heavier role—or, alternatives, there might be little involvement at all.

Key points are:

• Size and reliability of the family and friendship circle
• Relationships with neighbours and community groups

Without support, people may become isolated or overwhelmed.

Family Members’ Age

Age has a strong influence.

• Young carers may struggle to balance school and caring.
• Older carers may have their own health concerns and less physical strength.
• Working-age adults often have multiple family and work commitments.

Age limits or enhances the type and level of help possible.

Impact of Previous Experiences

Past experiences shape attitudes and involvement.

• Families with positive experiences of shared caring may be more willing to help.
• Negative experiences, such as breakdowns in care or previous trauma, may create fear or reluctance.

People sometimes need reassurance, information, and time to overcome past concerns.

Privacy and Dignity Concerns

Some family members feel uncomfortable giving personal care or managing intimate tasks. Others may feel it is not appropriate for children to care for parents or for siblings to perform certain tasks.

These feelings can reduce involvement, especially in personal and sensitive areas.

Final Thoughts

Family involvement in care varies from person to person and changes over time. Many personal, practical, cultural, and emotional factors come into play. Understanding these factors helps workers support both individuals and their families in finding the best mix of help for their situation. This approach keeps everyone’s wellbeing and dignity at the centre of care.