Challenges of unpaid carers
Here at Unique Senior Care, we recognise the enormous contribution the 6.5 million unpaid carers make to families and communities across the UK.
What is a carer?
A carer is defined as “someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older”. Often carers wouldn’t describe themselves as such – they say they are just being a good person.
How can caring affect you?
The amount and type of support that carers provide varies considerably, from a few hours a week to 24/7. Caring can be very rewarding, but without the right support it can have a negative impact on people’s lives. In fact, 61% of carers in the UK said they had suffered physical ill health as a result of caring (Source: Carers Week). There are a number of organisations that can offer support to carers in Warwickshire, including the Carers Trust, Warwickshire County Council and Age UK.
A full list can be found at: www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk
How we can help…
We can all play a role in helping carers to get the support they need without ignoring their own health needs or losing important relationships with others. This includes carer-friendly policies, annual health checks or a local business offering special deals for carers.
At Unique Senior Care, we know that taking care of a loved one can at times be both emotionally and physically tiring. We also understand the importance of having access to high-quality respite care – we want to ensure carers can take a break, secure in the knowledge their loved one is in safe hands. Whether it is just a few hours off to go shopping or 24-hour care while you take a well-earned break, we can help.