Care can be provided in different ways: informally by a family member or friend, or formally through primary and secondary care, social assistance or medical assistance. Primary care is a GP, dentist or optician – the people you normally see when you first have a problem (K101, unit 2, p. 74). Secondary care means any other healthcare professional you may come into contact with as a result of involvement in primary care. There will always be a relationship where care is involved and the quality of that relationship can be an important factor in the quality of care provided. Caring informally or formally can be both physically and emotionally demanding. The person requiring treatment may experience a range of negative emotions and feelings such as fear, loss of independence and helplessness. The caregiver should be able to recognize these feelings and show empathy, patience, respect and kindness. Practical skills are also needed. For example, the ability to administer medications safely, to care for intimate personal needs, to have knowledge of specialized equipment, to have a certain degree of physical strength, and to understand professional boundaries. Ann cared for her stepfather Angus (K101, unit 1) as he fell ill with Parkinson's disease. During this time Ann and her family lived with him and so his care was informal. She didn't initially see herself as a caregiver. This impacted his health as he did not seek help for the situation. Ann assisted Angus with personal care (which can be challenging for both parties), mobility, and meeting most of his basic needs. She became tired and impatient and her mood dropped. Caring for Angus was both physically and emotionally demanding. Angus could clearly sense the changes in An...... middle of paper ......y K101: An Introduction to Health and Social Care Unit 2, Milton Keynes, the Open University.The Open University 2011 K101: An Introductory DVD to Health and Social Care, Block 1, Unit 1, Audio 1:3 Angus' wash, Milton Keynes, The Open University.The Open University K101: An Introduction to Health and Social Care Unit 3, Milton Keynes, the Open University .The Open University K101: An Introduction to Health and Social care Unit 2, Milton Keynes, the Open University.The Open University 2011 K101: An Introductory to Health and Social care DVD, Block 1, Unit 3, Video 3:5, Maria goes shopping with Lyn, Milton Keynes, The Open University.Johnson & de Souza (2008), Understanding Health and Social Care (2nd edition), chapter 6, London, SAGE.The Open University K101: An Introduction to Health and Social Care Unit 4, Milton Keynes, the Open University.