When a loved one is struggling at home, it’s only natural to want to step in and help. But what happens when supporting their needs means that you are no longer able to meet your own?
Few people ask to become a loved one’s carer – and caring responsibilities are quite often added to a packed schedule of work and life commitments. It can already feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day when you are juggling school runs and work meetings, trying to stay on top of the housework and making sure there’s food in the fridge. And then you add caring responsibilities into the mix.
It’s no wonder that trying to keep the plates spinning can feel overwhelming and exhausting.
Seeking help isn’t about abandoning your loved one or their care needs – it’s about protecting your wellbeing and your relationship with them, by utilising the support services which are available to help you both. Taking a step back enables you to get back to being family.
Care as it works for you
Somerset Care offers a range of care services that can relieve the pressure on you, while ensuring that your loved one receives the support they need to stay safe and well.
Home care can be a great help with household chores and personal care. A professional carer will visit your loved one, in their own home, to support with daily tasks such as getting washed and dressed, preparing meals, administering medication, or supporting them to attend appointments. This can work well if you’re struggling to visit your loved one as often as you’d like, or you need the reassurance of a wellbeing check when you can’t be there in person.
If you’re worried that your loved one is isolated and needs company during the day – perhaps while you are at work – day care provides the reassurance of companionship and a home-cooked meal. Hosted by your local residential care home, day care offers the chance to spend time in the company of others, with individually-tailored care provided by the home’s expert care team. Your loved one can join in with the activities and entertainment on offer, while you can rest easy knowing they are safe, well-fed and in good company.
Home care and day care solutions slot easily into the daily routine, creating some much-needed breathing space in your hectic schedule.
Respite breaks complement and extend this by supporting your loved one during a short stay in a residential care home, such as Cooksons Court or Grovelands in Yeovil. Both homes offer book-ahead respite breaks – ideal if you know that you are going to be away, have other commitments, or simply need some dedicated time to recharge your own batteries.
Somerset Care’s home care, day care and respite services are designed to support your loved one to live independently at home, for as long as possible. For information and advice, please visit somersetcare.co.uk, or contact our expert enquiries team on 0800 817 4925.
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