Who is a carer?

Carers are wives, husbands, partners… parents, grandparents… sons, daughter, friends of neighbours … it can be any one of us.  We come from all walks of life, cultures, any age; you might not think of yourself as a carer, you might consider yourself as just looking after someone close to you; you ARE a carer.

The physical, emotional and psychological needs of carers can all too easily be overlooked. At St Ann’s Hospice, we include the carers and family of a patient in the heart of our thinking – and try to ensure that as well as supporting the patient, we also support those who support the patient.

This can be with practical things – such as helping to organise carers’ allowance, or having accessibility changes made to a home. It can be to provide some respite care, so that the carer can take a little time off while one of our respite nurses cares for the patient. It can be emotional support – from one of our trained counsellors, helping people to cope through what is a very difficult time. It can be spiritual help, from one of our chaplains – a listening ear and some spiritual advice.

Looking after yourself is important

However we help, we try to ensure that the needs of the carer are not overlooked – right from our first contact, and continuing long after a loved one dies.

All of links on the right of this page contain a wealth of information that may be relevant to you as a carer. Please take a look at them and let us help you find the help you need.

Even if you are outside our geographical area, it is possible that this information can help you to see something of the options which may available to you in your area.

If you have experiences to share which might help others find their way through what can be a maze of advice we’d love to hear from you. Contact the social work team on 0161 437 8136 or 0161 702 8181.

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