Organising social care can be a challenge, especially amid a pandemic that no one has projected. Whether you are helping an older relative, friend or neighbour, your new situation can be overwhelming, and it is 100% normal. The Government rules to fight COVID-19 have reshaped our social connections. With the consequent reduction in face-to-face interactions with people, it is legitimate to feel lonely and vulnerable.
First, it is always good to remind yourself that you are not alone; you can easily get support to help you go through this process. If you are newly caring for a loved-one, first-hand advice can be truly valuable in those new circumstances. For example, early communication is a game-changer and can help you and the person you care about overcome big and small decisions. Getting peer support is important to gain reassurance if you’re feeling guilty and stressed. Being a carer can be difficult physically and emotionally. In addition to that, the current health crisis is likely to have a profound effect on both your mental and physical outlook. Reach out for emotional support when you need to and ask as many people as you can about questions you have. There are usually a lot of questions to ask, especially at the beginning. Making a list of all the important points such as financial support, personal care, diet or medication, can make things clearer. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Ask relatives or friends to take over when you need to and arrange a time away for your mental wellbeing and happiness. It can also be good to keep up with your hobbies. Having a healthy lifestyle is a valuable point to consider if you want to keep a healthy mind. Don’t neglect your sleep, diet and physical activity.
Local support groups are available in many areas and can be an excellent source of information on what support is available in your area and how to access it. At the groups, you can talk to other carers who understand what you are going through, and with whom you can share ideas and advice about caring. Online discussion forums are other resources that can give you practical suggestions at any time. You can also ask your local authority for a Carer’s assessment to work out what level and type of support you need.
Learning to Care offers a list of brilliant organisations, charity and resources to access information and support.
Learning to Care also holds events on dementia to educate about the disease and empower people who are caring for someone with dementia. “Talking to people, finding out the services available, getting contact with my co-speakers has giving me encouragement. It is possible to live this life in a way that acknowledges the presence of the disease” explained Jolyon who attended the dementia event and who has dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society is currently supporting dementia and addressing stigma, they provide support to people who are supporting and caring for someone with the disease. As Alexa Longman, an NHS clinical nurse specialist brilliantly said, carers can often feel depressed or isolated. Bell House’s Learning to Care events are an opportunity for them to not only hear information but sit in a room with people who are also experiencing this.
Caring for a loved one can bring a whole host of responsibilities and worries. Our Learning to Care project launched at Bell House in 2018 is a safe space where people can express their concerns and where every question is welcomed. Our volunteers are organising and hosting events to tackle a wide range of practical topics from dementia to financial support. The ‘Advanced Care Planning’ online webinar run by the Lambeth Advance Car Planning Consortium aims to give support for creating and organising a care plan. You can find out more here: www.healthwatchlambeth.org.uk/advancecareplanning or at Bell House website.