Looking After Yourself
Carers - Looking after yourself
- Breaks
- Moving and Handling
- Talking to others
- Healthy Living
- Leisure
- Care Radio
- Relationships
- Support Groups
- Carers College Course
There are many things to consider when caring for someone who is disabled, ill, elderly or frail. It is important therefore that as a Carer you maintain good physical and mental health. The following pointers may help you with this:
Breaks
Are you getting enough rest? Are you taking time off to relax and enjoy life away from your caring role? There are many different types of breaks (respite) available. Have a look at the section Do you need a rest? - time out for Carers.
Moving and Handling
There's a proper way to move and handle someone without straining your back or injuring your joints that also ensures the safety of the person you are moving. If you have any doubt about moving and handling someone, then contact the local Occupational Therapy Team who will offer help.
The Disabled Living Foundation 
offers training on moving and handling. This service is normally charged for. However, at times free courses have been offered to volunteer Carers. You should check with the organisation to see if these are still running.
Back Care is a charity that promotes healthier backs for people. They have a selection of guides and books you can purchase. There's a specific guide for Carers on moving and handling patients. Contact details: www.backcare.org.uk
Tameside Library has a variety of books you can borrow. You can search their catalogue for a list of publications via http://intouch.tameside.gov.uk/vubis/Vubis.csp or visit the library in person. Follow this link for details of branches and opening times.
Talking to others
Often pent-up feelings can lead to stress and ill health. For help, you may need to speak with your GP. Have a look also on the NHS Direct website about the causes of stress, treatment and prevention.
Another way to help with your feelings is by joining a Carer's group. This is where you can meet and talk with other Carers about most things. Your local Carers Centre can be contacted via www.tameside.gov.uk/carers/centre
Carers chat rooms on the Internet can help too. This is where a Carer can have on-line discussions with other on-line Carers. You can meet other Carers from all over the UK and look up information using the discussion boards. An example can be found on www.carers.org/forums/
The Samaritans offer a 24-hour phone line for you to talk about anything that's worrying you. Their national line is
08457 909090 and local line 0161 236 8000.
Healthy Living
Are you looking after yourself, eating properly and exercising regularly? The BBC and NHS offer some useful tips on healthy living. You can view these on:
BBC - www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/
NHS - www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Leisure
Connect to Tameside Council's Libraries and Leisure site for information on where to go and what to do in Tameside
For other local sites to do with leisure activities, click below:
Information on trips and activities for Carers and/or the person being cared for can be found in Tameside Carers Centre newsletter 'Signpost'.
Care Radio
Care Radio provides Carers with information on products and services. The station broadcasts a monthly programme to a worldwide audience, although the majority of the programme relates to Carers in the United Kingdom.
Relationships
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has a Help Directory about relationships for Carers and their families. Here you can look at:
- The importance of relationships
- Why Carers relationships may be different than that of others
- Role and responsibility changes
- Getting in touch with each others feelings
- How to deal with feelings
- Useful organisations
Caring for someone with an illness or disability can have an effect on their sexual relationship, even to loss of the relationship. To view more on this and see what help is available, visit the Carers website