Care provider says ‘we’re in it together’ for Carers Week
A SOUTH Devon care provider is praising unpaid carers this month who have been looking after vulnerable and elderly loved ones during the lockdown (June 2020).
As part of Carers Week from June 8, which highlights how being an unpaid carer impacts on an individual’s life, Guardian Homecare is raising awareness of those caring for others.
Catherine Porter, Manager for Guardian Homecare, which provides services in Exeter and surrounding areas, said: “There is an army of unsung heroes out there who provide care for their loved ones day-in and day-out, 24/7 in their own homes and they need support.
“They need someone to talk to and they need space to live their own lives too. Their need has never been more profound that it has been during the lockdown, when staying at home was the only option and still, now, even with relaxed restrictions, many unpaid carers are not able to go out, as they care for someone who is vulnerable and elderly. The Carers Week campaign says one in three unpaid carers feel isolated and we’re sure during the lockdown this would have been exacerbated further.
“Caring is a vital role and we know that for many unpaid carers, who look after their loved ones, it can be a lonely occupation, as, unlike paid carers, they don’t have the support networks or on-going back-up they need.
“During Carers Week, we’re hoping to show how we’re all in it together, so we’re inviting any unpaid carers to call us to have a friendly and informal chat and to receive any support and professional advice they need.”
Carers Week focuses on how the UK’s current carer population is coping and how effectively they are being supported by the Government.
Catherine added: “Carers Week highlights the growing numbers of carers out there and investigates if we’re all prepared for our potential future caring responsibilities, as we’re all likely to live for a lot longer.
“We employ nearly 200 fantastic carers in south Devon to look after our service users and we believe it’s extremely important to offer support to them in whatever form they need. If they are finding things particularly stressful, we have members of staff who they are welcome to talk to and discuss any problems with, however we know there are many people out there who are unofficial carers and aren’t paid for the work that they do looking after a family member in their own homes and don’t receive any support.
“It is extremely important that a caregiver has their own space away from caring in order to normalise themselves, even if it’s just the chance to watch TV on their own, have a cuppa or stare out of the window without interruption. It’s also important they have social relationships, even if these are just online or via the telephone during the ongoing restrictions, to help them avoid becoming depressed and isolated and to enable them to talk to friends about non-care issues.
“They need to make sure they take some time to themselves to have a well-earned rest, as looking after someone can often become physically and emotionally overwhelming, so we are inviting anyone who cares for a loved-one in their own home to get in touch to get some free advice on the different ways they can look after themselves and give themselves a break. We also offer respite care too, so people can get a good night’s sleep and a rest from their role, which is in effect a full-time job 24 hours a day.”
Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in south Devon.
For further details, please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.
