Five top tips for family carers revealed
Which? Elderly Care guide launched for Carers Week
10 June 2014
To support Carers Week, Which? Elderly Care published a new online guide to help family carers.
Our research shows that around 800,000 older people receive care in the UK at any one time and that about 80% of this is organised by family members – the carers who are the hidden backbone of the care system. To help carers plan their time, here are five top tips from our new online guide.
To get our full advice on taking a break as well as all other aspects of caring for an older person, check out our Elderly Care website.
Family carers – finding a balance
Being a carer can take up a lot of emotional and physical energy, but carers sometimes feel worried or guilty about taking time off.
It’s important to find a balance between caring and looking after yourself and your health, particularly if you have other commitments such as a family or a job.
Types of respite care
The options for respite care may be more varied than you think, from day centres and someone going into a care home for a short time, to having someone come into your home or specialised holidays.
Funding your caring break
There may also be help available if you’re assessed by your local authority as needing a break. We have great advice on getting a carer’s assessment as well as the many ways you could get respite care funded.
Benefits and drawbacks of respite care
Respite care can have positive benefits for you and the person you care for, but you’ll need to consider the drawbacks too. We have a reality check on the pros and cons of taking a well-earned break from caring.
Arranging respite care
When you’re busy with your caring responsibilities, it can be hard to take time to work out what you need to do to plan a break, but making respite arrangements can make all the difference. We have a checklist to take you through the process step by step.
- Use the Elderly care website to find support in your relative’s area
- We’ve tested mobility products including mobility scooters
- See the results for the best hearing aid providers
http://www.which.co.uk/news/2014/06/five-top-tips-for-family-carers-revealed-369927/
