Caring for someone
People that provide care are crucial to the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable in our communities. The contribution of carers is essential to the person they care for, however it is also recognised that unpaid carers are important in ensuring the sustainability of our health and social care services – the informal care and emotional support they provide supports formal care services that can be provided; and this enables better wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
There is estimated to be over 2,000 unpaid carers in Shetland, but we recognise that this may be less than the actual number.
Many people have caring responsibilities at some point in their lives. You may be a parent, a partner, a son or daughter, a sister or brother, or friend to someone who needs support as a result of their illness (physical or mental illness and substance misuse), condition or disability. Some people provide just a few hours of care a week, for others it may be 24 hours/7 days a week.
Some carers live with the person they care for, but this is not the case for all. The support provided varies greatly too. Some things that a carer may assist with are: helping with personal care and dressing, helping with shopping, house work and meal preparation, help with medication, dressings and nutrition, help with transport to appointments or providing emotional and social support.
If you provide them with help and support to manage their life – you are a Carer.
Support isn’t just available for the person you care for, it is also important to have support for you as a carer. Support can be provided at any stage, and getting support at the start of your caring role can help to reduce or prevent issues and improve quality of life.
If you care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled and you are unpaid, then we can offer advice and information on:
- your rights as a carer
- carer’s assessment and support plan
- local carer services
- breaks from caring
- medical conditions and medication
- looking after yourself.
Carers views are important
As a carer you have a vital and valuable role in the life of the person you care for. Our aim is to support you and the person you care for. We recognise that as a carer you have unique and beneficial knowledge, trust and insight, and we wish to ensure that you are able to contribute.
Your views will help to support the outcomes and decisions for the person you care for, and for you as a carer. We believe it is important for us to consider carers when planning and providing services.
Unpaid carers are the largest group of providers of care in Scotland and should be recognised as equal partners in providing vital care and support. A carer could be a parent, a partner, a son or daughter, a sister or brother or friend to someone who needs support as a result of their illness (physical or mental illness and substance misuse), condition or disability. Caring for someone can happen very suddenly, sometimes overnight alternatively it may come over many months and years. Although rewarding, looking after someone can affect the physical and emotional wellbeing of the carer and can impact them both financially and socially.