What type of Carer are you?
What type of Carer are you?
At The Carers Centre LeicesterShire and Rutland we are always mindful that Carers, like everyone else are unique individuals. We know that every caring situation is different and has its own demands and challenges. Below there is a list of different types of caring roles. If your caring role is not listed, you can still call on The Carers Centre for help and support.
Parent Carers
As a parent carer you may be caring for a child under 18, or for your adult son or daughter, who has additional needs such as a physical disability or a learning difficulty (disability). Parents of children with additional needs face a unique set of challenges. There may be issues around education, or support needs, or a need for specialist equipment.
Our parent support groups offer a safe space to offload and gain mutual support.
Caring for a spouse or partner
You could be caring for a spouse or partner who has become ill, disabled or frail. In some cases, this can mean that you must take on all the responsibilities that were previously dealt with by your partner. In addition to fulfilling a new and challenging role as a Carer, this can understandably be a daunting transition.
Mental health Carers
If the person you care for has mental health issues you can register with Gloucestershire Carers Hub to receive support and information that will assist you.
Caring 24/7
Some caring roles are intense and place high demands on the carer. Our staff understand the challenges of the caring role at such times and can help you to explore options of replacement/respite care so that you can have a little time to re-charge your batteries. We can also offer advice on benefits and services that you may be entitled to.
Reluctant Carer
Some people feel that the caring role has been thrust upon them. No one has to care.
If you feel reluctant about caring but feel that you must still undertake the role of a carer, make sure that you are getting all the help and support available to ease the load. Remember you are still entitled to a life outside of caring.
Hands on Carer
Busy carers can still be entitled to time out from caring. It is important to allow yourself time to relax and re-charge so that you are in the best possible shape to care
Sandwich Carer
More and more carers are finding themselves with a dual caring role, that is, caring for more than one person with very different needs, e.g. an elderly parent and a young child.
Substance misuse Carers
Caring for someone who is dependent on alcohol or drugs is challenging because carers can still feel that there is a stigma attached to this type of illness. Our staff will support you in a non-judgemental and professional manner which will help you to feel less isolated.
A serial Carer
Some carers say they have been caring in one way or another for their entire life. They may start out as a young carer for a parent or sibling, then they may find themselves caring for a spouse, or continuing to care for a sibling after the death of their parents.
Dementia Carers
We can help you to access all the support that is out there to best support your cared for who has dementia.
A stressed-out Carer
Caring can bring a lot of challenging issues with it. Chatting with our friendly and experienced staff can help you to find solutions. Sometimes just having someone to listen to your concerns in a non-judgemental fashion can help enormously.
Bereaved Carer
It can be daunting to re-build your life following a bereavement. Gloucestershire Carers Hub continue to support Carers for 12 months after the caring has ended. Services such counselling or the emotional wellbeing pathway may support in considering your needs.
Caring from a distance
Some Carers find themselves looking after relative, e.g. an elderly parent, who lives in another town. They may visit frequently, help with managing finances, shopping, appointments etc. If you are a carer and you live in Gloucestershire, you are eligible to receive a service from us even when the person you care for lives out of our catchment area.
Working Carer
As a working Carer you will be in full or part-time employment, who also provides unpaid support, or who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their age, physical or mental illness, or disability. Juggling the demands of caring for someone and working can be challenging.
Young adult Carer
As a young adult Carer you might look after someone at home who has extra need, for example an illness, disability or addiction.
Some of the ways you might care for someone are:
- Staying in the house a lot to be there for them
- Helping them to get up, get washed or dressed, or helping with toileting
- Doing lots of the household chores like shopping, cleaning and cooking
- Looking after younger brothers and sisters because of their or their parent’s illness or disability
- Providing emotional support, for example encouraging, listening, or just being there for someone
If you think you might be a young carer, talk to ???
Although for many Carers, caring can have positive and rewarding aspects, there are lots of reasons why caring can also leave you needing support. If this is you please do contact us.