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Now you're a Carer

Thank you for contacting The Carers Association. We are Ireland’s National Voluntary Organisation for and of Family Carers in the home. We are here to assist and support you in your role as a family Carer. Our network of sixteen resource centres across the country
provide a variety of services that are there to help you. Our Free Phone Careline 1800 24 07 24 is there to take calls on any carer related questions you may have. Our website aims to provide detailed and up to-date information on all relevant Carers issues.

You may have just commenced your caring role and need information on a particular area of caring, check our list of various conditions under the I Care for Someone section or perhaps you are interested in hearing more on what financial allowances are available or supports and services from our resource centres.

Taking Care of Yourself

The caring role makes many demands on you the Carer, it is therefore extremely important to look after your own physical and emotional health.

Below are some helpful tips on how to take better care of yourself:

Getting Out

If it is possible, continue with activities you enjoy outside the home as it is important to follow your own interests outside your caring role. Some Carers feel guilty when they leave the house to enjoy an activity without the person they care for. If you are finding it difficult to get out, talk to other family members, your local Carers Resource Centre Manager, your Public Health Nurse or G.P.

Reduce the Isolation

It’s easy to become isolated when you are a Carer. You may become too busy to keep up with friends and family, people may visit you less and thus loneliness often becomes the worst part of being a Carer. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands what you are going through can be a great help. Your local Carers Resource Centre and Support Groups can put you in touch with other people who share similar experiences.

Keep Healthy

By taking time for regular exercise this will help you feel more energetic and provide a break from your daily activities. Always try to have healthy and regular meals. It is not always easy to do but in the long term it is important for your health and well being. Tiredness and exhaustion can often add to the stresses of caring it is vital to get enough sleep and rest.

Take time for Yourself

Getting in the habit of making time for yourself as a regular part of the day is important. Don’t feel guilty about this time as it is for you. Planning ahead and pacing yourself will also help. Although it can be easier said than done you need time to yourself every day to relax.

Take a Break from Caring Situation

Breaks can be taken in your home or away from it. They might be for hours, a day, and a week. You can use this time to sleep, do shopping, have a holiday yourself or just to “do nothing” – luxury that Carers rarely if ever enjoy.

Respite Care is provided by many different organisations and is depending on the age and condition of the person being cared for as well as the location where you live. Contact your local resource centre for information on respite available near you.

Most Carers will tell you that they have times when they feel weighed down and unable to cope. If you are feeling this way it is vital to speak with someone about it such as family, friends, GP or contact your local Carers Association Resource Centre or call our Freefone Careline 1800 24 07 24.

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