Carer Information
People of ages and all social background can find themselves in the role of the carer.
Profile of a 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 who, need round the clock attention.
It is estimated that in Northern Ireland there are approximately 280,00 carers who spend all or part of their day assisting those who need help.
Being a care can be a demanding and often exhausting task, it 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 there is in their mid 40’s to mid 50’s, 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 and can be both mentally and physically exhausting. Often the carer becomes isolated that he or she becomes ‘invisible’ to family, friends, and the healthcare team. As the carer fades into the background the isolation puts the carer at risk of serious illness.
Carers can vary in age from the young to the elderly. Visit our Young Carers section for further information.
What is it really like to be a carer?
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 a lot of stress. The strains of the caring role can have a dramatic affect on families.
Taking care of an ageing 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 IV’s to helping with activities of daily living, such as cleaning the house, cooking meals, and often assisting with pain management during a patient’s end stage of illness.
Caring has changed dramatically over the years. 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.
How can we support Carers?
Support is vital to the well being of carers.
Crossroads Caring for Carers is here to support all carers and those who are ill or disabled. Information can be accessed by contacting Crossroads by phone or e-mail.
The local social services department is available to assist and help carers in their caring role. They can provide the right equipment and services to assist the carer and the person with care needs.
It is important that carers take care of themselves in order to meet the demanding duties of their role.
For further information on Crossroads Caring for carers contact us at Head Office and we will deal with your enquiry. Contact Information