Caring For The Carer

Caring for someone with a disability (or for the aged) can be extremely challenging.

Most caring is left to relatives who have no training and who do it out of obligation. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the huge responsibilities and the stress that comes with it.

Caring can be rewarding, but it is also a demanding, round-the-clock job. Often carers have to give up work and this creates added stress financially.

The carer tends to focus their whole life around the person in need and they easily forget to look after themselves.

Here is some useful advice to help you take better care for yourself, which will mean taking better care of your loved one.

Create Me Time

Looking after someone can take its toll, so it’s vitally important to take time out just for yourself.

According to Aged Care Australia if you are well rested and healthy, you will be able to take better care of your relative.

You have to put your needs first and not feel guilty about it. If you need a little extra help, you can always turn to the national Respite Services.

According to Aged Care Australia, these services are offered by the hour (so you can get some shopping done or visit a friend), or for a few days (so you can have a weekend break or holiday).

You should also not feel bad about asking other relatives, family friends and even neighbours for help.

A burden shared is a burden halved. Aged Care Australia recommends that you create some special me time for each day, even if that means just 15 minutes to sit by yourself and relax or meditate.

Health

The great irony is that because carers spend all their time looking after someone else, they don’t have any time to look after themselves.

According to Aged Care Australia, it’s very important for carers to take their own health seriously. Make sure you get regular exercise, eat right and that you get enough sleep.

You can’t possibly take good care of someone if you’re exhausted and unhealthy.

Carers should also make sure they receive some basic training, such as how to lift their charges properly, and perhaps a first aid course. This will make caring just that little bit easier.

Support

The Australian government frequently rolled out a millions dollars National Care Strategy plan, which aims to help carers and their families by providing financial support. However, more support is often needed, especially the emotional kind.

The NHS suggests that if carers are feeling stressed out, they should talk to someone, whether it’s their best friend or their GP.

It can also be useful to join a carer support group (even online), as it helps to share feelings and experiences with people who are in the same situation.

Caring can be tough, but if you look after yourself, it can be less daunting. Don’t feel guilty about putting your needs first.

Your needs are just as important as the person for whom you are caring. You can’t care for someone if you’re not looking after yourself properly.

Get enough rest, use Respite Services, get support and remember to have a little me time.