Carers Week 2013 asked the question “Prepared to Care?” We at Care.com were proud to ask just that, as we hosted a Carers Week Live Facebook Chat to offer advice and guidance for those with care responsibilities. In addition, we were joined by some fantastic organisations that offered support and expertise to the conversation, and we have a round up here of some of the great advice on offer.
1. Tips on caring for the carer
Macmillan Cancer Support UK started off our expert chat with this key advice on how to look after yourself as a carer:
“Every carer will find themselves facing different challenges so it is important to identify your needs as a carer early on, whether that is practically, emotionally or financially. Carer assessments are provided by the social services or the social work department of your local council/trust and can help to identify the kind of support you will need as a carer. There are a variety of practical issues you may find yourself having to deal with as a carer. Day-to-day activities, such as housework, handling finances and personal care, are all important parts of caring for someone. Caring can also be emotionally challenging, so it is important to ensure that you don’t bottle these up and face them alone.”
Similarly, Sarah a Clinical Lead from Psychology Online emphasised remembering “you are important too. Look after yourself, eat regular meals, get some exercise and fresh air, do something relaxing etc. It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself if you are caring for others.”
2. Taking time out
Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire gave us this advice:
“Take time out. There are services available locally that provide respite care, for example. At Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire we provide care and support that enables carers to take time out with or without the person they care for, depending on their wishes. We also provide “Caring with Confidence” training for people with caring responsibilities.”
3. Talk about it
Centre Thirty-Three also suggested:
“Being a carer of any age, there are so often crises and hard times. My number one suggestion is to tell someone – anyone you trust. Talking about an issue can work magic. Then to think of real practical things that might help, and to get someone to put a plan together with you.”
4. Who can support you?
Cambs Young Carers (CYC) at Crossroads Care Cambridgshire suggested:
“Look at your local Voluntary and Community Sector to see if there are any groups in your area and talk to your local Social Care team about carers assessments and benefits”
5. Let go of perfection
Care.com’s Childcare expert, Rosemary Albone was also a part of the chat and said:
“Be realistic about what is possible – setting unrealistic expectations can cause difficulties as we strive for that perfect situation. Forgive yourself if things aren’t always as you’d like them to be”
6. De-stress
We found Centre Thirty-Three’s tip is a great idea – “So often people suggest spending time away from the cared-for person, but actually it can also be great to do something new and different together”.
Spending time being fun and enjoying the company of those you care for can be a great way to unwind. One of our Care.com users also suggested being a playmate with children you care for, which helps you feel less fussy and stressed when you’re with them.
7. Unexpected caring
Darren Coleman, representing Sepsis Trust UK, said “In terms of being prepared to care in my case that was hard because everything moved so quickly and was a shock. However, if I knew what was coming I would have developed some type of plan with my family and friends with regards to who could do what, when and most of all if we felt we needed external help. We tried to look after Dad ourselves but it was too much so we had some help in the morning just to give Mum and me a breather. This was a tough decision to make but the helper was a retired nurse and, frankly, a gift from God. We are now good friends so that is a positive.”
Go to our Facebook page to read the rest of the chat, here.
Of course, for further support contact one of the experts who helped with our Carers Week Live Chat:
- Macmillan Cancer Support offers information, support and ways you can meet other people who understand what you’re going through. For more information visit www.macmillan.org.uk/carers or call 0808 808 00 00
- Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire are the leading local fully Care Quality Commission compliant organisation providing information, advice, advocacy, support and respite care specifically for carers of all ages. Visit https://www.crossroadscarecambridgeshire.org.uk or call 0845 241 0954
- Centre Thirty Three can help you to find information, support you by referring you to our other services like Counselling, Mental Health service, the Young Carers Project, Housing support or our sexual health service’s or by supporting you to access other organisations that may be of help to you. Visit https://www.centre33.org.uk or call 01223 316488
- Psychology Online delivers cognitive behavioural therapy over the internet using a live therapist conversing with a patient one-to-one in real time via synchronous text in a secure meeting room. Visit https://www.psychologyonline.co.uk
- Cambs Young Carers supports young carers aged 8-18 years old in Cambridgeshire. They offer groups, trips and activities and 1 to 1 support to help Young Carers have a break from their caring duties. Visit https://www.cambsyoungcarers.org.uk or call 0845 241 0954
- Sepsis Trust UK recognises the scale and significance of the impact of severe sepsis on sufferers and their families. Although many patients return to a normal life, those who survive the condition may experience longstanding physical effects, and some suffer from psychological difficulties resulting from their prolonged illness. Visit https://sepsistrust.org or call 0845 606 6255
