CARER? YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU!

Nearly eight million people care for someone, and a third have fallen out with friends and family because of it – here Emma advises

For the final three F years of my nan’s life, she required around-the-clock care. I thought services would help and care would be provided. I sadly now know that isn’t always the case and most of us will need the help of loved ones should we fall ill, or become too frail to cope. Aside from the emotional strain that brings, the task of caring for an adult is challenging, and tough to manage alongside a busy life.

You tend to be very emotionally invested in the person you are looking after and that makes saying “no” equally hard. You need a strategy, and for all immediate family members to take responsibility. My mum and uncle put together a schedule where she divided care between the family. Write down times you are able to carry out caring duties, and let other family members know.

If you don’t have much – or any – family support, it’s so important to speak to Social Services to get respite care. Get in touch with Age UK, Carers Direct or Carers UK for more information on any support they can offer.

It’s vital to take a break when you need one – if you just “get on with it”, I guarantee it will take a physical, emotional and psychological toll.

Don’t be afraid to occasionally ask a good friend if they can spend an hour or two with the person you’re caring for. Use that time to do something for you – go for a walk or get a haircut. Do something that benefits your own sense of wellbeing. You can’t care for someone if you aren’t taking care of yourself.