Take Care of Yourself
Studies consistently show that people who provide care to loved ones suffer from higher levels of depression than their non-caring peers. In fact, some studies show that as many as half of adult carers show signs of depression.
When you're faced with providing care for a loved one, do not set aside your own needs. You are the most important person in the process. If you allow yourself to "burn out", you can no longer care for your loved one and may find that it's hard to take care of yourself.
To avoid the high levels of stress associated with being a carer:
- Monitor your health. Inadequate sleep and high levels of stress can easily take a physical toll. If you find yourself physically or mentally weaker, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
- Set aside a few hours a week of down time outside of the home, maybe lunch with friends or an afternoon at the park.
- Stay connected to others. Do not allow yourself to become isolated from friends or other family members.
- See a counsellor to discuss the effects of your new found role as carer.
- Attend carer support group meetings.
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"Working for Right at Home is wonderful - I've got to know my clients so well and I've got the time to help them do the things they enjoy. To see the impact this can have on their quality of life is amazing. We have a great time together!"
CW
"Working for Right at Home is very rewarding. I get to look after vulnerable people who need care and I've made strong bonds with the clients I work with regularly, which makes the job even more enjoyable. They have a great team who are there to support me whenever I need it and I feel that they really want to help me fulfill my potential as a carer."
G.H.
"This is the first time I have needed care and I was unsure what to expect. Thank goodness I chose Right at Home. Gail is an excellent ambassador for the firm - pleasant, polite and professional at all times. Gemma, to me, is the epitome of what a carer should be. She is a very hard worker and always has a smile on her face."
G.R.
"This was my first job in care and I was nervous about the responsibility it involved before I started, but Right at Home gave me such good training and my Registered Manager is always at the end of the phone if I need help or advice, or just a bit of reassurance. I've recently also finished my NVQ and had specialist training in dementia, which has really helped me to understand my clients' needs."
K.D.
"The service I've received from Right at Home has been excellent; the staff always listen and really do fulfill their promise to go the extra mile. Their dedication is excellent."
K.M.