Carer Creep

Do you know someone who has over time become the default carer for a relative? This is something we have seen often within our community. Carer creep is when a family member or child has looked after someone, initially maybe a couple of times a week and as their needs have increased, they have found themselves more and more supporting and can find that over time they have become a full time caregiver. This can be very stressful if you are also juggling your own family life or career.

How can you avoid this? If you feel uncomfortable about helping with care needs, especially if personal care such as washing, dressing or incontinence is involved and there is an overreliance on you then it is time to get some external help.

Take the time to find out what support is out there. Speak to people who have had a similar situation, contact a trusted provider and contact careline. There is also a lot of information on the internet, age UK offer a great on-line resource. We speak to many people looking for help and advice.

Getting external support can enable you to be a son or daughter again and concentrate on quality time as opposed to task driven time with your family member.

Acknowledgment of carer creep is the main battle and taking time to research the correct support can make a world of difference to everyone involved.

Liverpool Careline adult services – 0151 233 3800

Age UK website – www.ageuk.org.uk

Homecare reviews – www.homecare.co.uk

Right at Home South Liverpool – 0151 665 0365