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Talking

Why you should talk about your caring challenges

If you’ve had a difficult day with the person you’re caring for, remind yourself of all the good you’re doing and how your experience and compassion are helping the person live a better life. However, talking about the challenges you face as a carer can also be helpful. Sharing information about your valuable work with others can also remind you how much difference you make to those who rely on you.

Remember to keep communicating with the families of those you are supporting. Communication between everyone involved in the person’s care is critical and will benefit them significantly. Let the person’s family know of any changes or anything you think may be worth mentioning. Even if it’s something small, such as a change in the person’s mood, behaviour, or interests, it may be significant later.

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If you find your role challenging, talk to friends and family about how you feel. It will help you get things off your chest and means your loved ones and people who care about you can offer support. In addition, if you have a dilemma or situation that you need to resolve, you may find that talking things through inspires you to find a solution.

Take a break

Tell your employer how you feel if you’re feeling burned out and exhausted. See if you can take a holiday and carve out some valuable time for yourself. Regular exercise and healthy eating will boost your energy levels and help keep your immune system strong. <Link to exercise article>.

Being a carer is hard work, so it’s relatively natural to feel frustrated and even burned out on some days. However, something will need to change if this is a consistent pattern in your life.

Bad days can affect you

If the person you’re caring for is having a bad day, it will impact you. It can be challenging to deal with the person if they are feeling emotional, angry or upset. Don’t get drawn into debates or arguments with the person. If they say or do things that seem insensitive, unkind or incorrect, then accept that it’s the disease talking, not the person. Don’t challenge them, or things could escalate and get much worse.

The healing power of talking

Instead, talking to friends and family about your feelings will help in several ways. Talking can:

  • Improve your mood – simply talking about your feelings can help you feel calm and improve your mood.

  • Reduce stress – sharing your thoughts can help to release the stress that has built up.

  • Make you feel less isolated – knowing that other care workers have similar emotions can help you feel like you’re not alone.

 Accept the reality of dementia

It’s essential to accept that, as a carer, there will be good and bad days. Some days, you might feel better placed to cope with the challenges. On other days, you may find it harder. Days can vary, and it’s part of the everyday experience of being a carer.

Recognising the importance of dealing with these emotions is the first step towards finding support. Here are some types of support that can help:

  • Counselling Services

  • Support Groups

  • Trusted Friends and Family Members

Talking openly about your experiences can connect you with support networks that make your caring journey more manageable.