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Care provider says ‘we’re all in it together’ as it helps mark Carers Week
| Published: 4th June 2019 14:43 |
A DEVON care provider says unpaid and paid carers are invaluable in today’s society and this is why it is helping raise awareness of the role they play during Carers Week (June 2019).
Running from June 10 until 16, Carers Week is designed to show how being an unpaid carer impacts on an individual’s life, as the campaign says one in three feel isolated.
Catherine Porter, Manager for Guardian Homecare, which provides services in Exeter and Torbay, said: “There is an army of unsung heroes out there who provide care for their loved ones day-in and day-out, 24/7 and they need more support, they need someone to talk to and they need space to live their own lives too.
“Caring is a vital role and we know that for many unpaid carers, who look after their loved ones, it can be a lonely occupation, as, unlike paid carers, they don’t have the support networks or on-going back-up they need.
“During Carers Week, we’re hoping to show how we’re all in it together so we’re inviting any unpaid carers to call us to have a friendly and informal chat and to receive any support and professional advice they need.”
Carers Week focuses on how the UK’s current carer population is coping and how effectively they are being supported by the Government.
Catherine added: “Carers Week highlights the growing numbers of carers out there and investigates if we’re all prepared for our potential future caring responsibilities, as we’re all likely to live for a lot longer.
“We employ nearly 200 fantastic carers in Devon to look after our service users and we believe it’s extremely important to offer support to them in whatever form they need. If they are finding things particularly stressful we have members of staff who they are welcome to talk to and discuss any problems with, however we know there are many people out there who are unofficial carers and aren’t paid for the work that they do looking after a friend, neighbour or family member and don’t receive any support.
“It is extremely important that a caregiver has their own life away from caring in order to normalise themselves, even if it’s just the chance to run errands or simply have a cuppa and stare out of the window. It’s also important they have social relationships to avoid depression and isolation and be able to talk to friends about non-care issues.
“They need to make sure they take some time to themselves to have a well-earned rest as looking after someone can often become physically and emotionally overwhelming, so we are inviting anyone who cares for a friend, neighbour or loved-one to call us on 01803 853198 to get some free advice on the different ways they can look after themselves and give themselves a break. We also offer respite care too, so people can get a good night’s sleep and a rest from their role, which is in effect a full-time job 24 hours a day.”
Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in south Devon.
For further details, please call Guardian Homecare on 01803 853198 or drop in at its Drew Street branch in Brixham, during normal office hours for an informal chat. Alternatively, please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.
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