Carers

Do you act as a caregiver for an ailing parent, child, spouse, or other loved one?

If so, we recognise that you’re likely to face a host of new responsibilities, many of which are unfamiliar or intimidating. At times, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. But despite its challenges, caregiving can also be rewarding. And there are a lot of things you can do to make the caregiving process easier and more pleasurable for both you and your loved one. These tips can help you get the support you need while caring for someone you love in way that may benefit both of you.

New to family caregiving?

  • Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness or disability and about how to be a caregiver. The more you know, the less anxiety you’ll feel about your new role and the more effective you’ll be.

  • Seek out other caregivers. It helps to know you’re not alone. It’s comforting to give and receive support from others who understand what you’re going through.

  • Trust your instincts. Remember, you know your family member best. Don’t ignore what doctors and specialists tell you, but listen to your gut, too.

  • Encourage your loved one’s independence. Caregiving does not mean doing everything for your loved one. Be open to technologies and strategies that allow your family member to be as independent as possible.

  • Know your limits. Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits, and communicate those limits to doctors, family members, and other people involved.

 

Young Carers

Young carers are people aged between 5 and 18 years old who have a responsibility for looking after or helping someone else to look after a person who has a disability, a long term illness, mental health illness, or someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. That person could be your mum, dad, brother, sister, grandparent or even a close friend.

As a young carer you may help out by going shopping, cooking, cleaning, making sure the person you care for takes their medicine, talking and listening to them when they are not very happy, look after your brothers and sisters or anything else that helps out at home.

Carers Trust  can help you  by listening to you when you want to talk, giving you information and advice, arrange trips and activities to give you a break from your caring responsibilities and support you through any troubles you may have in school (if the problems are because you are caring for someone)

If you care for a family member or friend with a disability, illness or frailty, or a child with special needs please inform the doctor or nurse when you see them. We like to highlight this in your notes so we can offer you support and flexibility when you are accessing our services. We also suggest you register with the Sheffield Carers’ Centre.

 

Links: Carers Trust Sheffield, and Sheffield Young Carers