Caring for a loved one at Christmas: how to look after yourself too
Why Christmas can be harder for family carers
When you’re caring for a family member, responsibilities don’t stop just because it’s a special occasion.
Their unique needs still need to be supported during celebrations, as on every other day. Seeing everyone else celebrating can be especially hard for family carers, as they continue to support their loved one, so it’s especially important that family carers get an opportunity to relax and enjoy the seasonal festivities too. Perhaps other family members could step in and give the primary carer a break, or if that’s not a possibility, care from Helping Hands could be just what you need to ensure you also get to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Recognising the signs of carer stress
Caring for others is incredibly rewarding, however the hard work carers do to support loved ones’ wellbeing leaves them at risk of carer burnout and additional stress. Carers give so much, both physically and emotionally, meaning that they need to be supported themselves, to avoid their wellbeing declining. Family members and friends should look for signs of carer stress in the primary caregiver, such as frustration, mood swings, and a change in the quality of practical tasks. These and other symptoms could be signs of depression, stress, or physical difficulty, and should be investigated and supported. If the person does need to take time away from their caregiving duties, then respite care could be an option. Helping Hands offers respite care on both a visiting care and live-in care basis, meaning that we’ll be able to design a package of care that suits the person’s needs perfectly.
Finding time for yourself
It can be very difficult for family caregivers to find time for themselves, especially if they’re balancing caregiving responsibilities with their own family duties and a job. If there aren’t other family members who can step up and take over for a while, professional care services should be utilised, such as short-term respite care from Helping Hands. Because we’ve been delivering short and long-term care for people across England and Wales since 1989, including over the Christmas period, we’re well placed to support you and your family. All of our care is also fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales. Our carers are compassionate and knowledgeable professionals who will deliver essential support, meaning you and the rest of your family get to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Where to find support over Christmas
As well as family members and professional care, there are local and national organisations who support unpaid and family carers. Carers UK have a directory of local support, as does Age UK, and Mobilise – an organisation who support unpaid carers – have a Christmas Day Zoom ‘cuppa’, where unpaid carers can get together virtually and share experience and support. Mobilise also have an extensive library of guides and articles that unpaid carers can access for advice. There are many other organisations, both nationally and in your local area, that will be able to support you; contact your local council as in England they have an obligation to support unpaid carers under the Care Act 2014. This support can include offering practical help and advice, respite options, and a free carer’s assessment.
Giving family carers a break this Christmas with Helping Hands
The very best way to ensure that you get a break as a family carer is to arrange for Helping Hands to support your loved one in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
Respite care over the festive period designed around them
Respite care can be delivered across England and Wales, often at short notice or in an emergency. We’re recognised as the UK’s premiere private home care company because we’re responsive and experienced, meaning that you and your loved ones get to enjoy a family Christmas without the worry that their care will suffer.
Visiting care to cover key parts of the day
Our visiting carers don’t stop supporting you just because it’s Christmas Day. They’ll attend as usual, carrying out your loved one’s routine with the same enthusiasm they always do. They can be there for mealtimes, to help your loved one in and out of bed, or just to give them some emotional support with a cuppa and a chat.
Live-in support so you can take a well-earned rest
If you or your loved ones are planning a Christmas away from home, then it’s understandable that you’ll be worried about the person you care for. Live-in care from Helping Hands means your loved one will have around-the-clock support, with no risk of them feeling lonely or not having practical jobs undertaken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas can be a very emotive time of the year, for so many reasons. Families tend to descend on each other, often all squeezing into the house they grew up in, meaning that space can be limited and tempers begin to fray. For unpaid carers they may feel resentful because they see siblings appear for a short while, without them appearing to understand the stresses that caring puts on the person who’s always there. To avoid this blowing up into a resentment-filled argument, it’s best discussed beforehand.
If a family caregiver has no-one who can step in to help, then choosing professional care – even temporarily – can ensure that caregivers get to take a break. It’s hugely important to have regular breaks and time away when you’re an unpaid carer as otherwise you may risk succumbing to exhaustion and carer burnout. If you’re concerned about the cost of paying for professional care you should speak to your local authority’s adult social care department and request a care and financial assessment for your loved one.
If your loved one is opposed to anyone else caring for them it does make things difficult, however with some gentle encouragement and reassurance that their routine will continue unchanged, they may come round to the idea. If you’re planning on arranging care for them why not arrange the first visit while you’re there or ask for the carer to arrive in good time before you’re planning to leave. Talk to Helping Hands about your concerns for arranging short term or ongoing care for your loved one, and let us advise you on your options.