Caring For Someone
Do you look after someone who is ill, frail or disabled? Does
someone depend on you to continue living in his or her own
home?
If you answered yes to either of the above questions, then you
are a carer.
It could be that you don't see yourself as a carer because you
are carrying out a family role such as daughter, father, mother
etc.
You may look after a parent, partner, spouse, child, neighbour
or friend. You don't have to be related to them and you don't have
to live with them. You're a carer if they can't manage at home
without your help because of illness, frailty or impairment, and
the care you provide is unpaid.
Caring can be a fulfilling experience, but it's often hard work
and can be stressful. It can affect all areas of your life and
sometimes be an isolating experience because it is mostly carried
out at home, or in the home of the person you are looking
after.
No two caring situations are the same.
- Your caring role may vary from a few hours a week to 24 hours a
day.
- You can be any age or gender, be from any social background and
cultural or ethnic origin.
- You may care for a short time or for years.
- You may care for the person by yourself, share the caring with
someone else or receive support services.
- Caring can involve tasks such as visiting, cooking, shopping
and collecting prescriptions - as well as heavier work such as
bathing, dressing and lifting the person in need of care.
If you are a carer and would like to know more about available
support, services, advice or information to help you to either
continue in your caring role or any alternatives:
Contact
Kate Isaac - Carers Development Officer
Tel: 01446 704604
E-mail: kisaac@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk