People of all ages, and social background can find themselves in the role of the carer
Carers are people who look after and accept responsibility for caring for relatives or friends who, because of disability, illness, or the effects of old age, cannot manage at home without help. The caring role may vary from looking after elderly parents to caring for an ill spouse or disabled child, many of whom need round the clock attention.
It is estimated that in Northern Ireland there are approximately 280,000 carers who spend all or part of their day assisting those who need help.
Being a carer can be tough. The caring role affects every aspect of the carers life, including relationships, work and home life. Often the carers life is just as restricted as the person they care for.
A typical carer is in their mid 40’s to mid 50s. Already a full time employee, they will also spend about 18/20 hours taking care of others.
However there are many carers who care full time! Caring can be a relentless job, its 24/7 (24 hours per day 7 days per a week) and naturally can be physically and mentally exhausting. Often the carer becomes isolated that he or she becomes ‘invincible’ to family, friends, and the healthcare team. The isolation and invisibility puts the carer at risk of serious illness.
Carers can vary in age from the young to the elderly. For example within the caring circle there are many young carers.
The vast majority of us can expect to be a carer at some point in our lives
It is no surprise that sickness in the family can lead to lots of stress. The strains of the caring role can have a dramatic affect on families.
Taking care of an aging parent or a very sick child can cause fatigue, stress, even depression.
Sometimes, the pressure of caring for someone who has a chronic illness or is elderly can lead to stress and a condition called ‘carer burnout’.
Many carers have multiple responsibilities, often caring for both older parents and children. A considerable number of carers also work outside the home and can find that the demand of their job and caring responsibilities conflict.
The demands of home care can vary widely, from maintaining high-tech feeding devices and IVs to helping with activities of daily living, such as cleaning the house, cooking meals, and assisting with pain management during a patient’s end stage of illness.
Caring has changed dramatically. Patients are discharged from hospital quickly, and the patient is at home with more complex needs. The family is elsewhere – raising children, working full time – making fewer resources within the family.