When to Get A Carer

How do you know when to get a carer? Knowing when it’s time to seek outside help isn’t easy. But there comes a time when providing care yourself is no longer enough. 

How do you know when it’s time to seek care for your loved one?

When a loved one needs care, the first thought of most people is to provide that care themselves. It’s natural to want to take care of all your loved one’s needs on your own and to want to look after them as best you can.  At first, you may be able to do this. But, eventually, many people discover that their loved one’s needs become more significant. And there comes a point when a family carer realises that they can no longer handle all the care requirements on their own.

Becoming Overwhelmed as a Family Carer

The role of a family carer is far from easy. It can take an immense toll on health and strength, and as a loved one’s needs become more extensive, the pressure and stress can grow.

Care UK conducted a survey of people who care for or have responsibility for someone over the age of 55. The results showed that 60% of people who care for a loved one feel ‘overwhelmed’ by their responsibilities. With more than a third of people admitting that they neglect their own wellbeing due to time being taken up by caring duties.

Caring can also be a lonely experience. The Joe Cox Commision, last year found that More than 8 in 10 (81%) surveyed unpaid carers described themselves as “lonely or socially isolated”

In spite of this, more than half of carers still feel guilty that they are not dedicating enough time to caring for their loved one or relative.

Knowing When To Get A Carer to Help

If you are caring for loved ones, the time comes then when you need help. There are options available to help family caregivers manage their loved ones’ needs.

These options include care support from Right at Home, Stockport and Didsbury. This support is designed to help your loved one remain in their home environment and independent, whilst also receiving the vital care they need.

While this care service is designed to help the person needing care, it will also provide necessary help for caregivers and family.

When is it time to seek outside help?

There are a number of signs that your loved one may need additional care. If your loved one wants to remain independent, and you want to provide as much care as you’re able, seeking outside help is an important step to help you manage.

As we age, our physical and mental health often decline. Eventually, health problems may make it difficult or impossible for you to care for your loved one without outside assistance. It can be difficult for when you are a family member giving daily care to gauge when to get a carer. But there are certain symptoms that can provide a signal that outside help is necessary. These might include:-

• Unusual weight loss or gain without a known cause
• Balance or mobility issues
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Hearing or vision problems
• Swollen feet or legs
• Increasing complaints of pain
• Sudden mood swings
• Increasing forgetfulness
• Decreased interest in life and activities
• Sadness, loneliness and depression

Talk to Your GP

It is important as we age that we all receive regular checkups. If your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s or depression, your loved one’s needs may become more difficult for you to manage on your own.

Another sign that additional care is needed, might include a lack of personal hygiene, or an inability to accomplish normal everyday tasks. If your loved one isn’t washing their clothes or themselves or is showing a disregard for their own safety and wellbeing, it might be time to look for additional care.

There are many reasons why a loved one might need more care than a family caregiver can offer. These will vary from person to person, so it’s important to seek the advice of your GP when making any decision.

Care for Your Loved One?

Often these days, people want to remain in the comfort of home even as their health declines. In the past, a care home was really the only option. But today, there are plenty of support and care options that can help your loved one stay at home.

If you are a caregiver to a family member or loved one, there is no need to suffer in silence or to feel overwhelmed or isolated. Right At Home, Stockport and Didsbury, provide care that can help you manage your loved one’s conditions. Allowing your loved one to remain independent and living in their home, while receiving the extra care they need. And giving you the support, respite and help you need.

If you believe you and your loved one would benefit from additional care, talk to us today and explore the many options open to you.