Do you support someone who couldn’t manage without you?
Illness, disability, sudden accident, old age; there are many reasons why 3 in 5 of us will need to look after a loved one and become a carer at some point in our lives.
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Signs of an unpaid carer
The following are examples and scenarios in which you could identify yourself, or someone you know as being an unpaid carer:
- Multiple phone calls. You’re providing emotional support over the phone, organising shopping and appointments. The caller may be experiencing memory problems, forgetting they’ve already called.
- Lateness, absences, or you’re disengaged at work because you’re having to visit someone else to check on them, provide them with shopping, or help them with their morning routine.
- No time for social activities – you’re cancelling plans, too busy doing things for other people.
- Signs of physical and mental strain. This could be a lack of personal care, a change in appearance, tiredness, stress, fluctuating emotions due to worry about someone else.
- Unable to keep on top of your own everyday tasks such as housework or grocery shopping.
- You’re helping someone with personal care, for example washing and dressing.
- If you or someone you know is encountering these situations, you may want to give us a call, or register with us below.
Adult Carers
Adult carers will be caring for a huge variety of reasons – as parents, spouses, siblings and also as wider family and friends. You can be caring for someone all their life, or only just become, or indeed realise that you are a carer.
Many conditions
Carers look after people with a whole host of conditions and illnesses. Some of the most common situations are
- caring for someone with dementia
- caring for someone suddenly after an accident
- caring for someone with old age
- caring for someone with mental health issues
- caring for someone with autism
- caring for someone with substance abuse or alcohol problems
Under 18? What is a young carer?
Do you know someone aged 8 – 18 who’s caring for a family member?
Or perhaps you’re a young person, and you help care for someone who has an illness, a disability, or is affected by mental ill-health or alcohol/substance misuse.
Southampton has a dedicated service specifically designed to support young carers.