Your needs, the needs of the person you are caring for – how on earth do you balance those so neither feels neglected?
Whether you are looking at self-employed live-in care jobs or are working as an unpaid carer to support an ageing relative you need to strike a balance between your caring duties and the care that your client (or relative) needs and your own needs. After all, you’re not a robot and you simply cannot work a 24 hour day!
What type of care do they need?
Every elderly person is different and the amount of care that you provide will be tailored to them precisely. Some clients primarily just need a bit of help around the house and a bit of companion care, whilst others really do need 24 hour care. In the latter case you can’t expect to do the entire job alone. Other family members or a second carer will be needed to cover your breaks and sleeping time.
When to take a break?
You should have at least 8 hours overnight when you can sleep. If your client requires 24 hour care then you need to arrange cover for a period of time to allow you to catch up on your sleep. This is the best way to avoid disputes working in live-in care. As a self-employed or unpaid carer you have no statutory requirement to take breaks, except that you should not jeopardise the health and safety of either yourself or those around you.
Additionally, you should take a daily break and this should be away from the home whenever possible. This is perhaps the most difficult break to take, but is also perhaps the most important for your own personal welfare.
How to take a break?
If your client can attend a day-centre then this is a golden opportunity for you to have a break from your caring duties and spend some time on your own life, and make sure some of what you do is selfishly just about you – enjoy your hobbies, go for a walk or just watch the world pass by over a cup of tea and cake in a cafe. This is vitally important if you are an unpaid carer – according to Live in Care Hub paid carers will agree set hours and breaks before starting work, something much harder to do if you are caring for a family member. Asking other family members to sit with their relative can also allow you an hour or two to yourself.
Respite
If you are an unpaid carer struggling to care for yourself as well as your loved one then you can consider respite care to allow you to have a holiday. This could be in the form of a live in carer staying in your home or a “holiday” in a care home.
Get the balance right
Each set of circumstances is different, so you need to make sure that you are taking enough time for yourself whilst ensuring the welfare of your client or loved one. In the long run you aren’t doing anyone any favours by running yourself into the ground by not making time for yourself.
