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Carer Health and Wellbeing

It is important that you take care of your own health. Even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.

Being healthy not only helps you, it helps the person you care for too.

Stay well this Winter

There are a few things you can do to keep well in Winter.

The Flu Jab is the best way to protect yourself. As well as the person you care for.

The Flu can be far more serious to the person you care for. It can lead to serious problems such as:

  • bronchitis

  • pneumonia

  • Or, it could even land them in hospital.

Don't put it off! Contact your GP or pharmacist to get the Flu Jab as soon as possible. It's free because you need it.

Let your GP know you are a Carer, as they can offer extra support.

You may find that looking after someone can put a strain on important relationships. Whether that's a partner, family, friends or somebody else.

Here are services that can offer support and advice for relationships:

  • Get in touch with Hartlepool Carers for local help and advice for Carers

  • OnePlusOne provides resources and services to help families and professionals tackle relationship issues early. It also offers help and support if you have a disabled child.

  • Relate provides relationship help for all sorts of people in all sorts of situations. It can support you whether in a new, long-term or no relationship. It can help you through major to smaller crises that are making you unhappy.

  • Tavistock Relationships supports couples, people and families with their relationships. Such as relationship support for parents of children with a disability. Services include a course on Living Together with Dementia.

More ways to take care of yourself

If you're a Carer, you might need a break sometimes.

What is respite?

Respite is a short break away from caring to give you time to rest. This could be for a couple of hours to a few weeks. This can help you stay well and feel better to cope with caring.

Different types of short breaks for Carers:

  • Support Workers or Personal Assistants helping look after the person you care for. Such as in their home; this is sometimes called replacement care

  • Getting help with other tasks around the home, such as cleaning or gardening.

  • The person you care for having a short stay in a Care Home.

  • Getting someone to keep the person you care for company whilst you go out. Some caring services offer a sitting and befriending service.

  • You, or the person you care for, taking part in activities outside the home. Look at the events section to see what is available nearby.

  • Taking a holiday with or without the person you care for.

How to arrange respite care:

A Carers Assessment is free. Get in touch with Hartlepool Carers they will give you information about respite. Try talking to your family and friends to see if they can help.