Carer

A carer is a person who, without payment, takes care of a person unable to take care of themselves. Anybody can become a carer, even those under the age of 18. Carers below 18 years of age are called young carers.

Carers help in the daily activities of a person unable to carry it out himself. These may include bathing, dressing, physical movement, cooking, shopping, and so on. The job of a carer can be emotionally and physically demanding. The tasks that should be performed and changes in circumstances put strain on a relationship between the person being cared for and the carer. There are many types of assistance available to the carer, which includes financial support, employment help, support groups and providing care. Social service provides carer’s assessment to decide on the level of care a person needs.

Recommendations:

It is a common occurrence for a carer to take on responsibility. Nevertheless, a carer does not always have to do things themselves. They can ask for help too.

Though you may be helping someone who needs help, you may not always identify yourself as a carer. This is very common. Many carers simply go on to carry their responsibility of take care of a family member or a friend. It helps to realize that one is a carer, so that they can benefit from that status. As a carer, you have rights and privileges like informing others of the nature of work and obtaining help.

Sometimes, a carer might be hesitant to ask for help from friends and family and they on the other hand might be hesitant to offer help for fear of indirectly questioning the carer’s ability to do things by themselves.

Take to family and friends regarding your responsibilities and let them realize that their help is welcome. Receiving help will not affect a carer’s ability and even doing small odd jobs in the house or taking a break can have a positive influence.

Caring for one’s self when you are a carer is of importance. Exercising regularly or having a hobby or visiting friends helps reduce and prevent stress and fatigue and enable a carer in carrying out their responsibilities properly.

Getting Help:

Informing others that one is a carer can help ease the situation. Let a carer’s employer, healthcare professionals, and people close to the carer can make room for help to come in.
General practitioner. Informing your general practitioner will guarantee you regular health checkups, receive flu vaccine, and also may offer flexible appointments or home visits.
Local social services. They can help in carer’s assessment and offer replacements, equipment, and assisted living aids.
Employer. Will be obliged to give you flexible working hours and to take time off when you need.
Friends and family. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

A carer’s assessment will help in:
Day care.
Home care.
Obtaining assisted living devices.
Direct payments. Payments made to the carer that help in obtaining services.
Obtaining carer’s allowance.