Carers Rights day has been celebrated in November. Every day over 6000 people become carers, all of different ages and backgrounds. Their own plans have to be put on hold while all their efforts need to be concentrated on a loved one. There are so many things to juggle; their loved one, the rest of their family and their finances are just a few to name. The one thing that they don’t think about is themselves.
What are their own personal needs? How are they physically? do they have any down time for them to rest and have time for themselves?
Being a full time carer can be very fulfilling but also very draining. It is so important for carers to think of themselves too-actually it’s not only important, it’s essential!
For many loneliness is a major issue. It can stem from feeling unable to talk about their own caring responsibilities, their frustrations and fears – they simply just try to keep going.
They can feel disregarded – they can care for someone day and night and yet still feel that they’re not listened to and have to fight against a system which seems stacked against them.
Loneliness can also stem from dedicating themselves to meeting the needs of someone else, and putting their own needs to one side. Caring takes up so much time and energy that there’s little left over. Friends can drift away and they just don’t have the opportunity to pursue them.
Carers sadly often care until the person they care for dies. When this happens they can be left with a void which they feel they cannot fill. After being the carer for, at times, many years and often losing touch with friends, contacts and work colleagues they suddenly find that they have time on their hands. They go from having no time for themselves to trying to fill their time once their caring role ends.
Right now, too many carers don’t know where to turn for help. Too many are struggling alone because there just isn’t adequate financial and practical support available. Research has shown that 8 people out of 10 people have felt lonely or socially isolated as a result of their caring role.
Each year Carers Rights Day is held to bring organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.
Carers Rights Day enables carers to be aware of their rights, let carers know where to get help and support and raise awareness of the needs of carers.
We owe so much to the unpaid carers of this world and it’s about time that there is help and support for them when they need it.
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