Taking care of yourself

We understand that often carers can be so preoccupied with the health and wellbeing of the person they are caring for, that they sometimes forget to take care of themselves and their own needs. Please remember that your health and wellbeing is important too.

We have put together some useful information (below) to help you take better care of yourself.

  • Make sure that you get enough sleep – many carers struggle to get a good night’s sleep but sleep is a vital part of our daily life and important for our physical and mental health. Try to limit the amount of coffee and alcohol you consume especially in the latter part of the day. Relaxing with a warm bath or herbal tea before bed may help
  • Take regular time for yourself - caring for someone can be a full-time job, so breaks are vital for your own wellbeing and quality of life
  • Speak to someone – if you are feeling stressed or depressed, it may help to seek out professional counselling services. Caring for someone can be very rewarding and can bring you closer together, but it can also be challenging and sometimes upsetting. If you are feeling vulnerable, start by speaking with your doctor or a carers support centre
  • Maintain a healthy diet -sometimes this can be hard especially when you are very busy caring. There are simple ways to improve the way you eat and this can help you stay well and have enough energy for caring such as adding fruit into your cereal for breakfast, add fish into your meals, drink plenty of water, try cutting down on foods that contain added sugars (fizzy drinks, alcohol, cakes, but do remember to ‘treat’ yourself sometimes with food you enjoy
  • Be active - try and do an exercise you enjoy, perhaps light exercises such as walking, stretching, playing with the kids, gardening or dancing. This can help to make you feel less tired and maintain your energy.

Further information, advice and support

There is a wide range of support available for unpaid carers in both Surrey and Sussex.

Action for Carers Surrey

Charity Action for Carers Surrey provides free, independent information, advice and support to carers of all ages across Surrey.
They offer a variety of help including: support groups, as well as confidential telephone support, information on benefits, practical help on moving and handling; advocacy and information on your rights, well-being events, free resources and opportunities to influence change for carers locally and nationally.
For further information, please call 0303 040 1234 or visit their website.

Carers Support West Sussex

Charity Carers Support West Sussex also provide free, independent information, advice and support to carers of all ages across West Sussex.
They offer a variety of help including: support groups, as well as confidential telephone support, information on benefits, practical help on moving and handling; advocacy and information on your rights, well-being events, free resources and opportunities to influence change for carers locally and nationally.
For further information, please call 0300 028 8888 or visit their website.

Mobilise  

If you are working for Surrey Heartlands ICS including Surrey Council and the NHS and you have a caring role, you can sign up now to access free support from Mobilise and be part of a growing community for unpaid staff carers.  
Find out more and sign-up.

John's Campaign

WE support John’s Campaign which recognises the important role carers have in the lives of people living with dementia.
The campaign was founded in November 2014 by Nicci Gerrard and recognises and champions the value of carers coming to stay with, and continue supporting their loved one during an admission into hospital.
In the spirit of John’s campaign, we welcome carers of their patients on the ward and are committed to working in partnership with you.