Are you currently looking after your elderly parents at home? You're not alone.
According to the most recent figures from Carers UK, there are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. Most of these people, approximately 40% of them provide home care for a parent or a parent-in-law, with 4% caring for a grandparent and 7% for another relative. Notably, younger home carers tend to look after someone living in their household, those aged 45 and 64 are much more inclined to provide domiciliary care for someone residing elsewhere. These figures highlight the diverse caregiving responsibilities shouldered by individuals across different age groups and the various relationships that prompt them to take on the vital role of a carer.
Since you started providing home care for your parents you may feel like you don't have as much independence and time to focus on your own life. That's a common feeling amongst people who care for their elderly parents.
You may also be feeling:
Like you are balancing between care for your parents, you work life and the needs of your own children
Like your own health and wellbeing is ignored
A sense of uncertainty in looking after a parent with a condition like dementia or Alzheimer's
Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and frustration
These emotions and challenges are part of the caregiving journey, and acknowledging them is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in your life. Seeking support from domiciliary care services or carer agencies near you can provide valuable assistance, allowing you to navigate these complexities while ensuring the well-being of both you and your parents.
Here are our suggestions to help you avoid overwhelm and exhaustion, and to be able to carry on living your life independently so you are not compromising on your health or mood.
Take a Break
Many caregivers feel like they can't take a break from providing home care for their relatives, but it's crucial to remember that your body and mind need to recharge – you can't pour from an empty cup. Consider incorporating simple daily breaks into your routine, such as a solitary walk in the countryside, a visit to the gym or a fitness class, meeting friends for coffee or lunch.
We understand that finding time for self-care can be challenging. That's why we can assist you in finding a short-term live-in carer who can stay with your parents, offering care, companionship, and housekeeping while you take a well-deserved break. Our services also extend to arranging live-in carers with expertise in caring for more complex needs and conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, and many more. Prioritising self-care is essential, and with the right support, you can ensure both your well-being and the continued care of your loved ones.
Don't Worry
Easier said than done - trust us, we know. Being a live-in carer and looking after your elderly relatives as well as living your own life can have an impact on your mindset - we encourage you to talk about situations with your friends/family who understand. You can also talk to your GP if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and they may suggest ways you can minimise stress in your situation.
As a caregiver, it's important to remember that you are not a professional and it's normal to be unsure of how to deal with situations - and that it's also normal to look for a helping hand by arranging homecare for your parents. We talk to caregivers who want peace of mind for their whole family and help them to arrange the perfect carer to live with their parents in the comfort of their own home and familiar surroundings. In our eyes, it's the perfect alternative to a residential care home.
We Are Here To Help
If after reading this blog post you want to have a no-obligation chat with one of our live-in care specialists and see if live-in care could be an option for your family, we're here to help. Our friendly team are available to reach on 01264 319399 or you can email us on hello@access-care.co.uk