Carers neglect own health
MORE than half of Bri tain’s unpaid carers are so involved in looking after loved ones, they let their own health problems go untreated.
Yet those providing care for 50 hours or more a week are twice as likely to be in poor health as non-carers.
While caring can be very rewarding, without the right support it can affect health, career, relationships and finances, leaving many feeling isolated and stressed. Carers Week ( carers
week.org), running until Sunday, is highlighting how vital it is for carers to have the support they need to stay healthy and connected with others — and to know that their health and wellbeing needs matter, too.
MORE than 6.5 million people in the UK are unpaid carers, looking after a parent, partner, child or friend. friend One big issue many face is finding ways for their loved one to bathe safely.
Introducing mobility aids such as a belted bath lift (right) can help them to wash independently with confidence and reduce the worry for you.
Installing a stylish easyaccess shower is another effective option.
Some have half-height doors so that a carer can lend a hand, plus safety features such as a grab bar, slipresistant flooring, seating and thermostatic controls.
Those who prefer bathing might like to think about having a hydrovescence spa system fitted to a walk-in bath. Thousands of warm bubbles will gently massage away aches and pains.
For a fun and funky feel that’s very relaxing, jazz up the bath with LED lighting that changes colour.
READY for a stairlift? Your loved one might not think so. But if they are struggling to get upstairs, or worry about falling, a stairlift could provide essential reassurance.
A stairlift removes the strain of climbing the stairs, bringing an instant reduction in aches and pains or breathlessness and allowing them to regain the freedom of their home.
Today’s sleek stairlifts are safe, easy to use, well designed to blend into the home and surprisingly affordable.
It’s best to look for a model that has simple controls, a safety belt, a swivel seat to help the user onto the landing, safety sensors that cut off power if anything is in the way, a smooth start and stop and a remote control.
If a curved staircase is the only thing that’s holding your loved one back, they can rest assured that a stairlift can still be fitted. There are even types for garden steps.
And stairlifts are batteryoperated, so users will still be able to get up or down the stairs during a power cut.
A HOME lift (left) is another great option that could make life easier for all the family.
The latest compact types fit unobtrusively into the home. Just call the lift when you need it and enjoy free space in the room when you don’t.
Powered electronically and with battery back-up, these lifts are quiet and cheap to run, as well as being safe and easy to use.
Choose from a range of sizes, adding optional seating.