The person you care for may not want to be left alone for a number of reasons including their medical condition, a learning disability, their mental state, or age. If this is the case, it could cause you practical problems that may leave you feeling frustrated and angry.
For your own welfare, and that of the person you care for, try to have some time off and get assistance from friends, family or social services.
Explain to the person you care for why you need to have time to yourself, why it is important for you both and what provisions you have put in place for when you are away. Try to put them at ease by explaining where you will be, what you will be doing and how long you will be away.
What you can do
Get a carer’s assessment
A carer’s assessment will help to outline the type of extra support you may be entitled to in order to make life and caring easier for you. Your doctor can help to arrange an assessment and obtain any support available through the NHS or local authority care services. This could include care workers coming into your home to help with bathing, dressing and feeding.
Day care centres
A local day care centre can provide a change of scenery and a good opportunity for the person you care for to socialise, as well as some time for you to do something for yourself. Day care centres can usually arrange transport for the person you look after.
The Directgov website provides a list of day care centres in your area.
Friends and family
You can ask friends or family to help you, even if it is for just a few hours a week. They might be able to sit with the person you care for or do some errands for you. It's important to make people aware that you need help and you can’t always manage on your own. There is no shame in asking for help.
Other carers
There are local carers’ groups that meet regularly in most areas. Your doctor’s surgery should have details about them.
If you feel isolated, meeting with others who have had or are having similar experiences to you can help. There are a number of organisations that offer support groups for specific disabilities and illnesses as well as carer groups. You can ask your GP, social services or any healthcare professional about how to contact organisations that may be able to help you.
