Tips for Carers

Life begins at 40 or maybe it's 50... or so it seems until our newfound freedom is hit from another angle.

By this age we've finished the parenting stage of life, have hopefully got our finances in order and we're ready to launch into the carefree middle years. The freedom to go out when we choose, to travel, to just be. For women particularly, it can mean a new, unencumbered life.

Then suddenly we find we're slipping into another role. Our parents are aging and are looking to us for support, our partner becomes ill and dependent on us, or we start having health issues ourselves. Retirement planning changes from "which holiday will we go on?" to "how will we look after others and how we will ensure the last part of our own life is as satisfying as we can make it?"
 
Caring for an aging parent or partner can be very challenging. Here we provide some tips which might make it easier for you. Choose the ones that fit your situation and ignore the rest.

• Think carefully about all your other commitments and priorities before allowing yourself to be pushed into accepting responsibilities just because you feel like you should.
   
• Get all the services and advice you can. The right equipment, products and services can save you time and energy.
   
• Look after yourself too. Pay people, or get other family members, to reduce your workload. You don't have to do all the housework, gardening and laundry.
   
• Take time out for yourself. Respite care is available. Clubs and other activities, even the television, can be good "babysitters".
   
• If you have several family members involved, keep communication open. Talk or send emails regularly to let each other know what it happening so that you can't be played off against each other.
   
• If caring becomes too detrimental to your own health, family relationships or financial situation, alternatives need to be considered for everyone's sake. Try to seek help before things reach crisis point.

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