Advertisement
Topics
Hot stuff
Newsletters
Promotions
Lose weight today
Get a personal diet plan
Get a personal diet plan
Finger lickin' good
Some surprising facts from the Colonel
Some surprising facts from the Colonel
Carers
continued from page 2
For many carers, the hardest thing to cope with is the isolation. Often unable to leave the home for any length of time or to have guests, they are trapped in a life which can feel repetitive and stifling. Those looking after sick partners have the the added loss ofan equal and nurturing relationship.
Crossroads, a charity supporting Carers, provides a sitting service for carers, so that they can have a couple of hours of freedom. But more often than not, this time is used to go to the supermarket and the bank - the day-to-day errands that the rest of us take for granted. This leaves little or no time for any leisure pursuits.
Quite apart from the emotional and physical impact on carers, they also have many other problems to deal with. If a carer has a job, juggling home and work commitments is a daily struggle. Some employers are supportive and allow staff members in this situation to work flexible hours. Unfortunately, the majority of employers fail to make allowances for the extra stresses working carers are subjected to.
This lack of support has forced many carers to leave their jobs. PRTC found that 49 per cent of carers surveyed had to give up their jobs to allow them to look after a relative. Many of those who do manage to maintain both aspects of their lives find that they are unable to accept promotion because they know that the extra responsibility will affect their caring role.
Many people who have devoted their lives to looking after someone else suffer terrible feelings of guilt if they decide they can no longer cope with caring.There is a sadness that they have to pass on the care of a beloved child or partner into the hands of strangers, however good the care may be. Tough though caring is, most carers wouldn't have it any other way. Many of them find the work fulfilling and rewarding and say that they gain real companionship with those they are caring for.
The organisations working on behalf of carers want to ensure that carers no longer remain hidden and that they come forward and get as much support as they can.They are also driving for greater recognition of the efforts they make on behalf of society as a whole. Neil Traynor says: 'It might be hard work, but knowing that people out there value and acknowledge what you are doing makes all the difference.' It's time for hidden carers to come out into the open.
Carers can get advice and join in discussions with other carers on iVillage's Carer's And Cared For message board.
For many carers, the hardest thing to cope with is the isolation. Often unable to leave the home for any length of time or to have guests, they are trapped in a life which can feel repetitive and stifling. Those looking after sick partners have the the added loss ofan equal and nurturing relationship.
Crossroads, a charity supporting Carers, provides a sitting service for carers, so that they can have a couple of hours of freedom. But more often than not, this time is used to go to the supermarket and the bank - the day-to-day errands that the rest of us take for granted. This leaves little or no time for any leisure pursuits.
Quite apart from the emotional and physical impact on carers, they also have many other problems to deal with. If a carer has a job, juggling home and work commitments is a daily struggle. Some employers are supportive and allow staff members in this situation to work flexible hours. Unfortunately, the majority of employers fail to make allowances for the extra stresses working carers are subjected to.
This lack of support has forced many carers to leave their jobs. PRTC found that 49 per cent of carers surveyed had to give up their jobs to allow them to look after a relative. Many of those who do manage to maintain both aspects of their lives find that they are unable to accept promotion because they know that the extra responsibility will affect their caring role.
Many people who have devoted their lives to looking after someone else suffer terrible feelings of guilt if they decide they can no longer cope with caring.There is a sadness that they have to pass on the care of a beloved child or partner into the hands of strangers, however good the care may be. Tough though caring is, most carers wouldn't have it any other way. Many of them find the work fulfilling and rewarding and say that they gain real companionship with those they are caring for.
The organisations working on behalf of carers want to ensure that carers no longer remain hidden and that they come forward and get as much support as they can.They are also driving for greater recognition of the efforts they make on behalf of society as a whole. Neil Traynor says: 'It might be hard work, but knowing that people out there value and acknowledge what you are doing makes all the difference.' It's time for hidden carers to come out into the open.
Carers can get advice and join in discussions with other carers on iVillage's Carer's And Cared For message board.
previous | 1 | 2 | 3 |
printer friendly
send to a friend
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
click here.
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
iVillage Features
Message Boards
Pregnancy & Baby |
Parenting |
Health |
Diet & Fitness |
Beauty & Fashion|
Relationships |
Home & Garden |
Food & Drink |
Work & Career |
Entertainment
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB