You may face lots of change and it may be that no two days look the same. Your caring role may also come and go. It can, therefore, be difficult for people who support someone with a mental health condition to recognise their caring role and how it differs from ‘being there’ for their relative or friend. The invisibility of Mental Health can often make you feel that you are not a Carer, you are. Physical Disability/Health
Carers will often report that their lives are affected in several ways. This includes their ability to be able to work or engage in volunteering/meaningful activity, an increase in stress levels and worry, a reduced level of social and physical engagement such as going for a walk, and a general sense of overwhelming responsibility. Carers also experience something called anticipatory grief when they are supporting someone with a long-term health condition. But you need to care for yourself too, this is vital. Maintaining your own health and well-being will enable you to continue Caring. You are just as important as them. Carer Statistics The 2021 Census estimated the number of unpaid Carers was 5 million in England and Wales. This, together with ONS Census data for Scotland and Northern Ireland, suggests that the number of unpaid Carers across the UK is 5.7 million equating to around 9% of population are providing unpaid care. Carers UK research in 2022 estimated the number of unpaid Carers could be as high as 10.6 million (Carers UK, Carers Week 2022 research report). The latest census showed there are 31,769 unpaid Carers in West Northamptonshire area and 28,909 in North Northamptonshire. Section 2 – Caring for... Mental Health
A “Physical disability” is a broad term. It can cover a wide range of conditions. It is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as a limitation on someone’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina that has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to do everyday activities.
Caring for someone with a Physical health condition will vary. Often this may require a physical level of caring often having to balance helping someone with their own needs whilst maintaining their own. Supporting someone with a Physical Disability might include supporting with:- • Managing their own personal care, including washing and dressing. • Helping them to get around. This may include use of aids like a wheelchair, hoists or medical equipment, adaptations to home and vehicles. It is sometimes easier for us to do things ourselves, tempting to step in and take control. It is important that whilst this maybe a quicker solution we have to remember to promote a person’s independence and allow them to control the level of support required from us. The physical element of your own health may be affected and it important that you recognise when it is time for you to take a break and get further support within your Caring role.
People experiencing a mental health illness is reported to currently affect 1 in 4 people. Caring for someone with a mental health condition can often feel different to other caring roles and you may face slightly different or additional challenges. Often this is where people do not see themselves as a Carer when supporting
someone with Mental Health. This is why it is important when caring for someone with a mental health condition that you access support for you in your caring role.
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