5 ways you can help someone identify their caring role
There are 5 million people caring in the UK and many do not access the support they are entitled to.
A key barrier to accessing this essential support is identification, by professionals and carers themselves. Those working in primary care and the third sector have an opportunity to help them recognise the gravity of their role and how to access support.
Jude, a young adult carer shares a clear message to professionals about how they can best support unpaid carers:
"The main message I usually share when I'm advocating is carers want to care. We are caring people. A lot of the time, it can be perceived as a really negative experience, but we are people who genuinely care about those around us and we want the best for the people we love. We need support, but it’s something we choose to do. It’s a part of who we are.
Appreciate the depth of different experiences, how varied it can be, how somebody's experience can range from very simple acts of compassion to round the clock care. There are so many different ways that a caring situation can be presented, and a lot of the time you're not always going to see it.
Building that trust with someone is a very big part of understanding their caring role and how to best support people. You can't support a person in the best way unless you truly understand what they're going through and what it is they need."
Below are our top tips to help you support unpaid carers
1. Avoid the label
Many people don't see themselves as carers - they are simply mum, husband, daughter, friend and so on. By using language they relate to and by recognising their relationship with the person being cared for is a simple, yet effective step in helping them access support.
Our services are available to anyone looking after a partner, friend, child or family member that couldn't manage without their support. People don't need to identify with the term carer, they just need to recognise that they have extra responsibilities and can have support.
2. Take time to listen
People with caring responsibilities often tell us they feel invisible and unheard. Taking five minutes to ask how they are doing, and giving them a private, non-judgemental space to talk can make a huge difference.
This can enable them to open up about the challenges of caring for someone, helping you identify where they could use support.
3. Be non-judgemental
Caring can have a huge impact on someone's health and wellbeing, yet they can feel guilty for seeking support.
They may not want the person they care for to feel like a burden, or to feel like they're not up for looking after their loved one. There are lots of reasons why they may not want to reach out.
Offering a non-judgemental safe space to confide, can be life-changing.
4. Ask about their day
An easy way to understand what their caring role entails is to simply ask about their day. Talking about the multiple tasks they complete day to day can bring to light the pressures and challenges they may be facing. This is a useful conversation that can lead to support.
5. Offer support
Sometimes just having someone else (especially a professional) asking them what they need, can be the positive change in their situation.
It is possible that you are the first person that has recognised the gravity of their caring role, if you have the opportunity to offer a route to support, we encourage you to do so.
Make a referral
If you have identified a carer, see if they would like a referral made on their behalf to The Carers' Centre. They will be able to access a range of fantastic and free services to support them.
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