Caring for the Carer: 10 Top Tips to Show Support - Guest Blog Post by Millie Fuller

Being a family caregiver comes with so much responsibility and their hard work often goes unnoticed. It’s a thankless job, which is why it’s important that carers feel like they have a support system surrounding them.

These tips will look at the different ways in which you can show appreciation and support those in your life.

 

• Make Your Appreciation Obvious – Don’t Assume They Know

 

Showing gratitude and saying kind words can make a family carer feel seen and valued. If you acknowledge their efforts and really thank them for the hard work they’re putting in, this can boost their sense of worth more than you can imagine.

 

• Check That They’re Actually Taking Time for Themselves

 

When looking after someone else, it’s easy to forget about looking after ourselves as well. Self-care can be as simple as drinking and eating enough to sustain us. But it’s easy enough to forget even this at times, so just checking in that they’re still looking after themselves is helpful.

 

• Show Them What Resources Are Available to Help

 

There are many resources out there for family carers. The government can provide benefits and financial support and there are many information resources which are valuable too. Support groups are also an amazing place to meet other people going through similar situations. Without help, they might lose their spark or burn out.

 

• Give Them a Gift or a Token of Appreciation

 

This is such an easy way to show that you’re thinking of them. Giving carers a surprise present can help them feel valued, especially if they don’t have the time to buy things for their own enjoyment. It doesn’t have to be grand gift either, it could be something small, or even homemade.

 

• Simply Ask How You Can Help

 

Asking your family caregiver how you can better things for them is constructive and effective. If they tell you what they’re struggling with, you may learn new ways of how you can help. Be the person who they can talk to and a shoulder to lean on.

 

• Suggest a Break Now and Then

 

It’s a shame that many family caregivers feel guilt when looking out for themselves. In many cases, a carer may need some well-deserved time off, and that’s nothing to feel bad about. Everyone needs rest and their own space.

 

• Take on Tasks for Them

 

Parts of a family carer’s day can be filled with tasks, like chores around the house. If you offer to take on some of these daily tasks like washing up or hoovering, this can go a long way. A simple helping hand can make their day, or even their week so much easier.

 

• Offer Your Time to Help

 

Family carers give a huge amount of their time, and within this, they have needs of their own. If you have chance, giving a little bit of your own time can be super helpful. For example, if your family caregiver wants to meet a friend, you can take over their role for a couple of hours.

 

• Recognise Them Outside of Being a Carer

 

Include your family caregiver in plans as this shows that you acknowledge them! This will prove to them you love them outside their role as a carer too.

 

• Make them Dinner so They Don’t Have to

 

Cooking up your family caregiver’s favourite meal or even buying them a comfort snack will make them smile. Food creates enjoyment and nourishment so is the perfect treat. It will also keep their energy and spirits high when they’re in need of it most.

 

Carers won’t feel like they have to sacrifice themselves too much if they receive the right support from those around them. Hopefully, these 10 tips gave you some ideas of what you can do to provide help to a carer who needs it.

  

 Guest Blog by Millie Fuller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/millie-fuller-07927a239/