Mental Health and Recovery – Unpaid Care by Hilda Campbell
29th June 2022
Our third guest blog from respected leader Hilda Campbell of COPE Scotland focuses on the pandemic and the impact of the last two years on unpaid carers. Whilst the focus on Carers’ Week this month fades into the distance, Hilda provides some hints and tips based on what COPE has learned from unpaid carers.
We often see news coverage looking at the impact of the COVID pandemic on those who work in the health and care sector, and the challenges people still face in their working role as we move forwards. It matters that people who care for others also remember to care for themselves. It’s why we share resources like this video.
In this piece, I want to focus on unpaid carers.
During the pandemic we saw a significant rise in the number of people who were caring for others, perhaps for the first time and at a time when they themselves were maybe also struggling with their own health challenges.
There were also additional issues; many services and supports people had been in contact with before the pandemic either temporarily closed or began to use a different operating model.
On top of that, many people looking after a loved one often don’t see themselves as an unpaid carer, so while they may search for information and support for the person they are caring for, they may not find what could help them – as a ‘carer’. You can’t reach out for support which you don’t recognise as being something you might need!
While the world has started up again, the virus is still with us and this can continue to offer challenges to people in an unpaid caring role. They may have concerns about the vulnerability of the person they care for. Options for attending face to face events may still be an issue, and there is always that concern that you could contract the virus and bring it home.
This new reality means that unpaid carers may have fewer options for getting some time to themselves. Often when carers talk about respite, it’s not for a fortnight in the sun – as nice as that can be! It may be for something simple like getting to the shops, going out for a coffee with a friend, visiting the hairdressers or attending to their own health needs.
Anyone can find themselves in an unpaid caring role, however, it falls on women more often than men. It matters in the Women’s Health Plan that the impact of being an unpaid carer is considered.
Another group of unpaid carers who need to be considered are young carers. The past years with the pandemic have not been easy on young people in general. For a young person in a caring role, it is not hard to imagine the additional stress this causes and what this means for their own health and wellbeing.
As we look at recovery from the pandemic, we need to ensure that people in unpaid caring roles recognise the support that is available for them as well as the importance of looking after their own wellbeing. This includes young carers.
There needs to be clearer pathways for people to see how support can be accessed and a recognition of the barriers unpaid carers may face in trying to look after themselves.
So, how can barriers to self-care be overcome?
This has to be done listening to experts by experience – those individuals living in an unpaid caring role. They know the challenges, the barriers and what may help. This moving video from the We Care Campaign offers a powerful insight into what carers want and need.
There are also new challenges around the cost-of-living crisis and again, in thinking about recovery, we need to make sure unpaid carers are aware of and can access advice from services where they may have financial concerns.
COPE Scotland has been very aware of the challenges facing unpaid carers over the last few years. So, we wanted to share what we had learned from carers about what helps them. We’ve gathered together some tips on self-care and on making sure that carers have time and space for themselves. This includes details of support organisations.
Of course, these tips don’t replace professional input and advice – so please, if you find your caring role is becoming challenging for you, do speak to someone. We know that caring can sometimes be overwhelming – so we sadly need to say that it’s important to remember that groups like the Samaritans are there 24/7 365 days a year. Call them on 116 123.
These tips for carers don’t have all the answers; they may be a reminder of what you already know. But in bringing all of this together, our hope is that you can see that we and others do care for you. That we recognise your struggles.
Recognising that you are a care may help you find more support not only for the person you care for, but also for yourself. Self care is not self indulgent, even a few minutes here and there can make a difference. Your health matters too and there are people who care. These tips and ideas can hopefully provide a starting point for you as you try to find space and time for you:
Most of all, remember that you are not alone.
Hilda Campbell
COPE Scotland
@COPEScotland