A Carer's Role

A lot of people have care roles. For instance, parents care for children, people care for their relatives and friends that are sick or recovering from an accident, while grown children care for their ageing parents.A lot of people have care roles. For instance, parents care for children, people care for their relatives and friends that are sick or recovering from an accident, while grown children care for their ageing parents. Over 700,000 people in England are a primary carer for an older friend or relative who has a disability, care needs, mental health issues or suffering from a chronic health condition. It is highly likely that even you will at some point in your life take on the role of a carer or be cared for. It can be somewhat difficult to define the term ‘carer’ simply because it has very different meanings depending on who you ask. The term may refer to professional and ‘lay’ carers as well as both unpaid and paid carers. Some friends and family might not consider themselves ‘carers’ because they might view themselves as just playing their role as a supportive friend, daughter, sister, brother, father or partner. Carers help others to become as healthy, well, and independent as possible. This may be done by helping somebody remain connected to the local community or be mentally and physically active or eating nutritious food. Some of the carers may help somebody with tasks including housework, shopping and banking where the individual is relatively independent. Other carers may take on a more intensive care role by helping with everyday living tasks such as dressing, bathing, feeding, taking medication, and using the bathroom.

Making the Decision to Become a Carer

Taking on the role as a carer is sometimes a huge commitment. In some instances, it means having to give up other responsibilities or activities, including work opportunities that may have a significant impact financially. When you make the decision regarding becoming a carer, it can be a good idea to consider the following:

• How much care is required by the individual? Is it just a few hours every day or the entire day and night? Is it possible to find somebody else to help?
• How best can you support the individual’s health, independence, and wellbeing? The interests and capabilities of the individual may change over time, but it will always be important to maintain wellbeing, health, and independence.
• How can the individual be supported to keep on doing the things that he/she loves at home or in their local community? Who else can be of assistance?
• What kind of care is required by the individual? Does he/she only require assistance with a handful of tasks such as meals, laundry, and taking medication or does he/she require more basic needs met such as help with showering, eating, dressing, and using the bathroom? Are you capable of providing the support that they require? Or will you need to call for extra help from reputed care providers such as Gabriel's Angels to assist you?

Rewards that Caring Can Bring

Carers say that caring offers numerous rewards including:

• The opportunity for personal growth and the development of new skills
• Strengthening the bond with the person being cared for
• Appreciation from the person being cared for as well as being acknowledged by friends and family
• Proving to yourself that you are capable of meeting new challenges

Challenges of Being a Carer

• The continuous nature of some care roles
• The lack of satisfaction that you previously enjoyed from a stimulating job or career
• The physical and emotional toll associated with looking after another person night and day
• The feeling of isolation and missing the social opportunity associated with recreation, work, and leisure activities
• Developing health problems including depression, anxiety, or back problems
• The financial hardship associated with having to either cut back hours or give up a paid career or job

Carers play a critical role in society, creating numerous economic and social benefits for themselves as the people that they care for and the community at large.