When Caring Ends
Whether caring ends because of bereavement or the break-up of a relationship, individuals who have been caring have their own needs that can often be neglected.
It is important, although often difficult, to think about life after caring ends, particularly if you are still caring. However, by planning ahead and thinking about the future, you can help minimise the impact that the change in circumstances may bring.
For many individuals, who may have been providing care for many years, the sudden loss of this role can leave them feeling quite isolated, with a lack of purpose or direction. If you are able to do so, try to maintain your own interests whilst you are caring, maybe keeping up an evening class or social contact with friends. This is easier said than done of course, requiring you to be quite determined at times, often in the face of pressures from those around you.
For many individuals, who may have been providing care for many years, the sudden loss of this role can leave them feeling quite isolated, with a lack of purpose or direction. If you are able to do so, try to maintain your own interests whilst you are caring, maybe keeping up an evening class or social contact with friends. This is easier said than done of course, requiring you to be quite determined at times, often in the face of pressures from those around you.
Relationship Breakdown
Whilst ‘Relate’ is the UKs largest provider of relationship counselling, it can also support couples when it is no longer possible to save the relationship. This can include advice to help you work through the process with your partner, as well as a course aimed at helping you cope after the break-up of your relationship.There's even a course for parents wanting to help their children cope with the breakup of the family.
Thinking about Long-term Care
For some, the move to residential long-term care is a positive choice; one that they have planned for a while. For others, even discussing the option of long-term care can be too painful or awkward. You may find that even thinking about your family member or friend moving into long term care can feel quite overwhelming, and may experience feelings of sadness, anger, guilt… or relief that your caring role is coming to an end.
VOCAL, a carers organisation based in Scotland, has published 'Thinking About Long-term Care', that is a sensitive exploration of the many and varied emotional issues tied up with the decision to opt for long-term care.
Thinking about Long-term Care.pdf (52 kb)
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Coming to terms with terminal illness
It goes without saying that caring for a family member or friend who is terminally ill can be very distressing. We hope that the information and links provided in this section will help you cope if you are having to come to terms with terminal illness.BBC 'How to Have a Good Death' Leaflet
Bereavement support for the whole family
Support and advice for adults and children who have suffered a recent loss of a loved one is offered by Cruse Bereavement Care. You may also find this BBC information of help: BBC Relationships. For children there is Winston's Wish, and for teenagers there's RD4U, a website designed for young people by young people, part of Cruse's Youth Involvement Project.
