Loneliness and isolation

[Paula_15081]

Hi all, hope you’re all well.
Can anyone tell me how they deal with the loneliness of being a carer?
I have no family living near me, I care for my son and due to finances, my socialising is really limited.
Thanks for reading

[Melly1]

Hi Paula,

Welcome back.

Did you try the Carers Uk online meet ups https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... ne-meetups ?

How old is your son? What are his care needs?

We usually go to Special Olympics on a Saturday but there wasn’t any this week so we are short on outside social interaction this weekend too.

We walked to the shops for S to buy a few bits yesterday a.m and to the library in the afternoon. I had a quick chat with the librarian.

We going out for a picnic soon and a walk at a local RNIB place soon - if S gets a move on!

The forum has been my company today (again.)

I’m less lonely on the days I work and of course the occasional days I meet someone for coffee / walk etc.
Not easy is it?

Melly1

[David4]

Hello Paula

For once we were provided with a pleasant social worker who's good to talk to. An assistant of hers has visited here three times to give advice on clearing up, etc. and, although there will never be any miracles regarding the domestic situation, I've found these two people good to talk to. It made a little change. When Melly mentioned her quick chat to the librarian I remembered my brief respites.

Talking of respites, I'm allowed six weeks break per year. Of course very little of that is ever taken. Although your finances are tight, I wonder if it might be possible for you to get away just for a few days? In 2010 I visited the lovely little Scottish island of Jura for six days and I think I had the best holiday of my life; it was really needed and the people there were super.

Take care, David

[bowlingbun]

How old is your son?
What is the nature of his disability?

We can't really make any helpful suggestions until we have this information, as our advice would be different depending on these two factors. My son is 42, brain damaged at birth.

[Rob_McC]

Hi Paula

As a forum ambassador I wanted to wish you a warm welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you're struggling with loneliness - hopefully this is where this forum can come into its own for you. There are a couple of different options for connecting with fellow carers for getting support from Carers UK should you need it.

Carers UK run online weekly meet ups for carers to take some time for themselves and chat to other carers. Feel free to join if you'd like to and there's no pressure to share anything you don't want to. I'm sure you'll find many other carers are in a simiilar situation to yourself.

You can find information on how to register to our online meetups at the following pages:

Care for a Cuppa: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... ne-meetups - the next online meet up is today (Monday 11 Oct), 15.00-16.00 with further sessions shown in that link. This social is a great way to have a little break if you are able to and spend some quality time talking to people who understand what you are going through right now.

Share and Learn: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... e-sessions - these sessions range from creative writing activities to beginners Latin dance sessions.

If you need any support from Carers UK our Telephone Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact us by email (advice@carersuk.org). They can help provide support and guidance on:
- Benefits and financial support
- Your rights as a carer in the workplace
- Carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
- Services available to carers and the people you care for
- How to complain effectively and challenge decisions.

Hi all, hope you’re all well.
Can anyone tell me how they deal with the loneliness of being a carer?
I have no family living near me, I care for my son and due to finances, my socialising is really limited.
Thanks for reading

[Michele robson_2110]

Hi, I am in the same boat as you, I became a carer for my husband after he suffered a stroke, even though I work 13 hours a week i feel isolated due to having no family living close to us. It's really hard not having anyone to chat to face to face or to take over duties to be able to go out. My time for me is walking around the garden or doing some gardening, not great at it, not a big garden either. Maybe taking a hobbie like knitting, drawing, something you can focus on something else which you enjoy. Take care Michele

[CMC_2110]

Hi Paula,
I'm sorry you are experiencing loneliness. As a Carer for a loved one I do feel the same. I don't have a Social life .
However recently I started attending a night class to learn Irish Language on a Tuesday night. I find that couple of hours lifts to an extent the sense of isolation.
I'm also new to this Forum so I'm hopeful I can make new Friends like yourself who experience similar difficulties in their life.
Feel free to message me anytime if you want a chat about anything.

[CMC_2110]

Hi Paula,
I'm sorry your feeling isolated and lonely. I'm quite new to this Forum so I'm trying to learn how to navigate my way around it.

I care for my Disabled Wife and because of the nature of her condition I also find it a very lonely and isolating Life.

There is no funds for any Resbite where I live this year. In fact really since the Pandemic started.

So I'm on my own really. I would like to be your Friend . I hope you would too.

Take care

[Melissa _2201]

Hi Paula, you've come to the right place. We all in this forum are ready to help carergivers in all possible ways. That's why you must stay in contact with us to get rid of loneliness feeling. Ask any questions, start topics and we'll discuss them with you. DM me if you need psychological support.

[Pet66]

Melissa
Would you share with us the role you are in as far a caring for family, friend or an ex carer.
Kind regards