Caring can be a rich source of satisfaction in people's lives. It can strengthen relationships, teach you a multitude of skills and help you realise potential you never thought you had.
But evidence shows that when caring is full on and without support you can struggle to hold down a job, to get a night's sleep, to stay healthy and to maintain relationships with your friends and family.
The way caring affects our lives is never the same for any two people. Some people are caring 24/7, some just a few hours a week. Some people care for more than one person. The impact caring has on our lives will depend on factors like
- Our relationship to the person we care for: Are we caring for our parent? Our husband or wife? Our disabled child?
- The nature of the disability of illness: There is a world of difference in caring for someone with dementia and someone with a spinal injury. Or someone who has a had a stroke and someone who has schizophrenia.
- What else is going on in our lives: Are we single or married? Do we have kids? Do we work full-time or part-time?
- Our character: Are we confident and assured? Are we shy or not so good at speaking up for ourselves?
- Where we are from: Our cultural or social background can have an effect on what is expected of us.
- Where we live: Support services differ around the country; caring for someone 200 miles up the motorway brings its own challenges.
No matter what your caring situation is Carers UK is here for you and your family.
