Submit your story
If you have a story you’d like to share, or feel may help others in your situation, please use the space below to send it to us. We do receive a lot of stories, so please don’t worry if your story isn’t published straight away.
If you have a story you’d like to share, or feel may help others in your situation, please use the space below to send it to us. We do receive a lot of stories, so please don’t worry if your story isn’t published straight away.
Ask family members to commit to certain tasks around the house, or at specific times in the week. It’s best to ask during family gatherings, as they’ll be more likely to volunteer when they see others lending a hand too. Create a rota to confirm everyone’s promises - and encourage people to pair up if don’t feel able to help out on their own.
Take friends up on any offers of help. If you can’t get to the shops and they’re going there, it will hardly inconvenience them to pick up a few extras for you. They may even help with the odd household chore, such as mowing the lawn. Remember, not all the help friends provide needs to be directly related to your loved one – every contribution can free up some of your precious time and give you a break.
Other useful services include pharmacies that deliver for free and some schools, community colleges or youth groups that have initiatives for students/members. If they’re looking to lend a hand in the community then they could be helping you.
Professional carers are available in most areas to visit your home and look after your loved one. They’ll give you time to catch up with a friend or just treat yourself. If you’d like to go away for an extended break, you could investigate care homes that offer a limited period of stay.
If you can offer any advice on looking after yourself as a carer, please submit your tips in the form above so others can benefit from your experiences.