Caring for a loved one or relative can be a strain, both physically and emotionally, but knowing there are others out there sharing the same experiences can be beneficial.
It is estimated that people providing high levels of care double their own risk of becoming ill or permanently disabled as a result of their responsibilities. Worryingly, only one in four carers say they have been offered a health check by their GP.
Katherine Wilson, head of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, says isolation is a big problem among the UK’s estimated six million carers.
In some cases it can occur when people have become carers suddenly, such as when a relative has an accident and they haven't had time to arrange any support.
“Carers can become gradually more isolated. They don’t realise that they have become more detached,” says Wilson.
Giving up work
Carers are often forced to give up work completely or reduce their hours in order to cope with their new commitments. The problems faced by some carers only become obvious when the situation has reached a critical point, says Wilson. “Often it's the people who are caring full-time who just break down and call our helpline because they're desperate.”
Helen Brown, the chief executive of the Cambridgeshire branch of the charity Crossroads, believes there is a strong link between isolation and health. As well as the carer's local authority, she says any carer seeking help should visit their own GP.
“GPs have access to a number of solutions,” she says. “They are always a good person to talk to about any worries. No one needs to feel guilty about not being able to cope.”
It is good to let your GP know you're a carer as they will keep an eye on your wellbeing and carry out regular health checks.
“Also, include your family and friends," says Wilson. "People get stressed and worried about this but you can share your experiences with others. Additionally, many carers don't ask social services to do a carer's assessment, either because don't know that such a review exists or they feel it would be a waste of time.
“There may be support that the local authority can give you. Also, check to find out if you're eligible for financial help,” says Wilson.
Recognise you're a carer
It is vital for carers to recognise their role. “It can take older carers up to five years to recognise that they are a carer," says Brown. "It doesn’t just happen automatically.” Making contact with voluntary organisations such as Crossroads, Carers UK or The Princess Royal Trust for Carers can lead you to further support, advice and information.
If you want details of your nearest carers' centre, you can call the freephone Carers Direct helpline on 0808 802 0202. Lines are open from 9am to 8pm weekdays and 11am to 4pm on weekends, closed bank holidays. Wilson says that those carers who prefer not to visit a carers centre can find help on online forums. “There is a lot of solidarity out there and people don’t feel that they're totally alone,” she says.
Organisations such as Crossroads can offer respite care for a number of different situations. “People use us for a huge range of services, from personal care through to socialising with others,” says Helen Brown.
“We know from our feedback that we are making an enormous difference, particularly to those who say they can keep going because they know that someone is coming in to help them.”
Watch the video below to see how two carers were helped by their local carers' support group.
