Support & Self
Care for
Carers are special people. They tirelessly devote their time to the needs and wants of the person they are caring for, whether they are looking after a member of the family or are employed in some capacity. The thing about being a carer though, is that very often they forget to look after themselves. Live-in care specialists at Helping Hands have stated that one in ten adults in the UK are carers in some form, which means nearly seven million people. The health of carers is a recognised issue and to deliver the best of care and to ensure their own health, physical and mental, a carer needs to practise self-care on a regular basis.
most certainly your feet. To do this with ease, it is important to keep your body in shape with regular gentle exercise. Yoga or Tai Chi are good regimens for all ages. It is also a good idea to start your day with some gentle stretching exercises. This means your body is better able to take any strain when lifting early in the day.
Keep Fit
Be sure to get those all important 5-a-day, but remember to treat yourself too. If you need a break from cooking duties, consider giving your local Meals on Wheels service a call.
Downtime
Caring can mean a lot of time being on your feet all day. You may have lifting to do - assisting in getting in and out of bed, helping them to the bathroom, guiding them in and out of their wheelchair or walker etc. This can take its toll on your back, your muscles and
10 10
pay attention to your own diet. Take a look at the Eat Well website for ideas. If you do the cooking, make meals you both enjoy paying attention to fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat. If you have dietary or allergy considerations, browse for recipes online.
Look after your diet As well as looking after the nutritional needs of the person you are caring for,
Your caring duties and thinking about your patient can be all consuming, so there needs to be a route of escape, a time when you can cast off those worries and concerns for a while to concentrate on yourself. Your downtime should be spent doing something you
FREE ONLINE! upload your community news
localbuzzmagazine.com
