families, and their health and care professionals. These conversations help create an understanding of what is important to the person.
of a healthy diet and physical activity, and we now understand that emotional happiness and social activity is also key to our state of mind. There are many ways to engage, and this can be a 10-minute walk, talk with a neighbour, visiting local attractions or attending church or craft groups. You may be someone who prefers to do things at home and there are many Apps and programmes that offer mindfulness, meditation and general well-being services. Here are some local organisations who support well-being.
Patient preferences and clinical recommendations are discussed and recorded on a non-legally binding form which can be reviewed and adapted if circumstances change.
Who is ReSPECT for?
One Stop Shops- North and West Northamptonshire Councils
The ReSPECT process can be for anyone but will have increasing relevance for people who have complex health needs, people who are likely to be nearing the end of their lives, and people who are at risk of sudden deterioration or cardiac arrest. Some people will want to record their care and treatment preferences for other reasons. This will be completed with a healthcare professional. The ReSPECT process is increasingly being adopted within health and care communities around the UK. Section 4 – Carer Support
www.actionforhappiness.org
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/walking-and-cycling/wellbeing-walks
www.westnorthants.gov.uk/wellbeing-service
www.servicesix.co.uk
www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk
Loneliness and Isolation Sadly, approximately 81% of unpaid Carers frequently or always feel lonely or isolated because they are caring for a loved one. Of those caring for a disabled child, 93% feel lonely or isolated as do 89% of young Carers up to the age of 24 years old.
Health and Well-being When we think about our health and well-being, we often assume this relates to physical health. We are more likely to put our well-being on hold if we are caring for someone else. Carers do not always recognise that the impact of caring affects their general well-being. By this we mean their happiness and ability to enjoy life. This might be as simple as going for a short walk or may be linked to religion or spirituality. Good well-being affects your health, and many studies have shown how being able to engage in our community and being happy will improve our overall health. We know about the importance
There is an expectation that those juggling work commitments with caring responsibilities would not feel as lonely, yet worryingly, 71% of working Carers feel lonely or isolated when at work. Unpaid Carers, through no fault of their own, lose contact with family and friends with 61% worrying about the negative effect their caring responsibilities has on their closest relationships.
Carers who said they felt lonely or socially isolated are almost twice as likely to
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