Amarjeet - The importance of having a break
Amarjeet - Carers Assessment Worker
Carers often find themselves providing high levels of care even when there is a package of support provided, providing support between care calls and during the day and night.
The impact of caring can be immense and a carer may not have opportunities to take a break from caring. This may impact on a carers’ ability to access recreational activities, local services, maintain personal relationships. The strain of caring may affect the carers’ mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Caring also can have a huge impact on employment and finances too.
Being aware of carer support groups is important. This ensures that someone caring does not feel isolated and gives a carer an opportunity to meet other carers in like- minded situation. Carers should also be informed and encouraged to register with the CRESS service, this can be accessed in an emergency. You do not need to be open to Adult Social Care and can refer yourself to the service.
Further support that can be explored as part of an Adult Social Care assessment can be carers short breaks, which can enable a carer to go out, have time to relax and pursue the things you want to. Day Opportunities and respite can also allow the a carer to have a break at the same time as making sure the person with support needs has a chance to socialise and have a break too.
Supporting carers well is important for a good quality of life and helps a carer maintain their caring role in the long term.