A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
Health and Well-Being
Caring can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally. It is important to consider your own health needs and ask for support when you need it. Remember that your health is as important as the person you care for. This section looks at ways to look after your health and to boost your emotional well-being.
Often the first person you will turn to when you a carer will be your GP. They can provide you with support, information and advice not only in relation to the person you care for but also with regard to your own health. For this reason it is important that your GP knows you are a carer, and you should not expect them to assume this or know unless you tell them. Once they are aware of your caring responsibilities they can keep an eye on how you are coping, and your own health.
The GP of the person you care for should also know that you are their carer. This will allow them to involve you in care arrangements when appropriate, and answer any questions you have about their medication and progression. There may be some issues of confidentiality, and the GP will explain how these apply to your situation.
It is important that you have regular health check-ups, and attend any clinic or hospital appointments as needed. You can ask for a basic health check each year from your GP or Practice Nurse, and this should include a blood pressure check to measure your stress levels. Southwark Carers can assist you with arranging respite care for the person you look after and transport can often be arranged through your GP.
If you need to help the person you care for move around, for example by lifting them, or if you administer medication, you can receive advice and training on the best way to do this from your local District Nurse. This will show you how to avoid injury for both of you.
As much as you want to look after someone it can be an emotionally tiring and difficult experience. You may find that your relationship with the person you care for, and other people you know, has changed. You may sometimes feel lonely, guilty, sad, frustrated or angry. It can help to know that these feelings are natural and have also been felt by many other carers.
To help you deal with these feelings there are a range of support services available from Southwark Carers. We are here as a ‘listening ear’ if you need someone to talk to occasionally or need advice and information, we can provide counselling if you would like to talk to someone more regularly, massage and relaxation to help you unwind, and carers’ groups meeting across the borough for mutual support.
Our free counselling service is available to all carers in Southwark. It offers you the chance to talk in confidence to someone who has been trained to listen, and who can help you express your thoughts and feelings freely. We can offer up to 18 weeks of weekly one-to-one counselling sessions in our Carers’ Centre, or in locations throughout the borough.
Monthly carers’ support groups can be an important lifeline for carers - providing an opportunity to share experiences, information on local services, practical advice, social events and emotional support. Many carers’ groups are open to all carers, others may be linked to a particular day centre / surgery or disability. But whatever their size or location, the groups are about your needs and interests as a carer and are there to give you extra support. If you aren’t sure which group would be best for you, please contact us for advice.
Taking a break
Having some time to yourself is essential when you are a carer.
You need some time to relax, to gather your thoughts and regenerate your energy. Remember that you have the same rights to hobbies and holidays as everyone else.
Some carers can feel guilty about leaving the person they care for, and sometimes the cared for person may find it difficult to let their carer go. But it is important to take time off - if you don’t look after yourself by taking breaks you may become ill and be unable to continue caring.
Stress
Stress shows itself in many different ways and is unique to each person.
It may be unusual behaviour such as over-reacting to situations, a short temper, a constant feeling of being unable to cope, a lack of appetite, sleeping badly, headaches or developing a rash.
The cause of stress may not always be the most obvious, and there is often more than one.
Address your stress through:
- asking for help
- talking to your GP
- counselling
- joining a local carers’ group
- taking time for yourself to relax
Quick
Tips
Make sure your GP knows you are a carer. Before any appointment make two lists of what you want to discuss - one for your own needs and one for the needs of the person you care for. Focus on your own health needs separately.
Look out for symptoms of stress and ask for help when you need it. Whether your problems are practical, physical or emotional there is always someone to help.
Take a break for the benefit of yourself and the person you care for. Find something that helps you relax and make time for it regularly.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of Your Health and Well-Being with a member of Southwark Carers staff please contact us.
The advice sections are currently under development and being added to regularly.
If you can't find the information you need, or have any comments or queries please contact us
Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.