Caring for an elderly relative

In our youth, our parents looked after us and were our carers. They picked us up if we fell over and praised us when we had done well and were successful. Fast forward the years, the situation has probably changed and we have become the carers of our parents or elderly relatives.

Caring can take many forms. At first, it may be that our loved ones have suffered an accident or become ill. It may simply be that old age has meant that tasks once easily completed by them have become difficult or impossible to complete. To begin with, if your relatives still live in their own home, you might realise that more visits from you are needed, just to check how they are. Your friendly smile is enough to make a difference.

This could progress to helping with the shopping or visits to the doctor. Your role could become one of a chauffeur as well. When your relative’s needs increase beyond this, the challenges for you can become practical, emotional and financial. You need to look after yourself at this point as well as responding to your relative’s requests. It is important to realise that you are caring for someone and could qualify for help and support. If you feel that you need support as a carer, the Carers Direct Line could be helpful. The contact telephone number is 0300 123 1053. The lines are open between 9.00am – 8.00pm Mondays to Fridays and 11.00am – 4.00pm at weekends.

Alternatively, contact your local social services authority. Under the Care Act 2014, which came into force in 2015, local authorities have a legal duty to assess any carer who requests an assessment or who appears to need support. A Carer’s Assessment looks at how much support a carer needs and the effect of your caring has on your health, wellbeing, work and family life. A Carer’s Assessment is not the same as a Needs Assessment. A Needs Assessment looks at your relative’s needs. A Care and Support Needs Assessment could also be asked for. Your relative may be eligible for home help. Whilst this depends on your relative’s mobility and how easily they can cope with personal care tasks, it could result in a home care worker coming in to help.

Sometimes, an elderly relative will find it easier to have professional carers to help them rather than willing relatives. A parent might feel embarrassed that a loved younger member of the family is helping them with their personal home care. By having a professional home carer, you can keep your status as a loved daughter or son. If you think that a professional, well trained carer could help your elderly relative, please contact Acquire Care Ltd on 01865 601010 or email info@acquirecare.co.uk to see how we can help.