Being a carer can be emotionally and physically very tiring. Carers often don’t think enough about their own health and well-being, and find that they suffer from exhaustion or stress.
Taking a break from caring is essential for most carers, even if it’s only a few hours. It allows you to see friends, relax, sleep, join classes, and meet other people - to do all the things that most people take for granted.
Some carers feel guilty about taking time for themselves. They see it as a sign of failure. However, without regular breaks, carers are putting their own health at risk. Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries.
Ideally, breaks form caring should be planned breaks so that both you and the person looked after are happy with the arrangements. However, there is much to think about when trying to plan and arrange a break:
- Who will look after the person you care for?
- What will you do when you have a break?