Caregivers offer key help to loved ones and other individuals up and down the country, sometimes for 24 hours a day. A lot of the time, caregivers are loved ones or close friends. Having someone depend on you for care is a daunting prospect, however, there are resources and products that can help you in your caregiver role. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this and that there is help for you as well as the individual you take care of.
Who is classed as a Caregiver?
Caregivers can be anyone who visits multiple people to give care, or a caregiver can be a loved one offering to help someone close to them. In the UK, if you care for someone for over 35 hours a week, then you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
Can I get Caregiver Allowance?
From April this year, the weekly allowance for Caregivers is £64.60. This allowance is taxable, and carers will have to pay tax if they have other forms of income or a part-time income. If you are a full-time caregiver, you will not need to pay tax on your allowance. Caregiver allowance is reviewed each year and may fluctuate depending on the care you give and how often you give care to others. You can only claim this allowance if the individual you care for has a disability benefit, if you look after them for over 36 hours a week, and if you don’t earn over £120 a week. The 35 hours of care include:
- Time spent physically helping the individual move around
- Time spent doing tasks for the individual, such as shopping or cooking
- Time spent cleaning up after the individual
Products to Help Caregivers
If you’re a new caregiver, or if you’re looking for items to help you care for loved ones, check out the recommended products below. These are easy to transport, so if you’re moving from client to client, or if you’re travelling with a loved one, these are perfect products for you.
This lightweight ramp is perfect for travelling, accessing smaller heights and for getting in and out of transport vehicles. This handy ramp also folds down into its own suitcase, meaning you can carry it around with ease thanks to the handles. This also means that you can store this in your vehicle or home without having it take up a lot of space. This ramp will support most wheelchairs and will hold up to 600lbs of weight at its middle point.
Also foldable and portable is this Fold-N-Go Walker. Easily stored away, this walker is perfect for taking on walks, travelling, and even for walking around the house. This item is easy to use, and can be used for a number of clients, should you be a professional caregiver. The height of this walker can be adjusted, and the maximum weight that case use this is 28 Stone.
Suction Grab Bar
Easily installed and removed, this portable suction grab bar is perfect for using between clients, or it can be moved around the house for different uses. For example, this can be used in the bathroom, getting up from the toilet, getting out of the shower, or for using in the kitchen and living room should your loved one need to. This tool does not damage property, so it’s perfect for use in rented accommodation, and the large suction cups ensure a strong hold wherever you use it. To release the grab bar, simply press the release levers.
For a more heavy duty portable ramp, this Ramp Axcess portable ramp may be the one for you. Still easily transported, this ramp can grant access to higher levels and allows a longer section of the ramp in order to wheel a chair up when needed. Still foldable and easily stored, this ramp is great if you have clients, or a loved one, who needs access to higher places.
Caregiver Self Care
When you’re a caregiver, it can sometimes feel as though all of your energy has gone into caring for others. Sometimes, we need to take care of ourselves, no matter our profession. Some signs of stress include:
- Often feeling tired
- Becoming easily irritated
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Losing interests in activities
- Feeling run down and sad
Overt stress can have effects on our health, but there are some ways in which you can handle stress, such as eating a balanced tired and ensuring you get enough sleep each night. You could also try and speak to a loved one away from caregiving. Often, loved ones will want to help you, and just talking is a great way to lift that stressful weight off your chest. Join a support group. There are so many online free groups you can join if you’re a carer. For example, Facebook has Carer UK, a helpful resource for carer’s here in the UK. If your stress has become too much for you to handle, please visit your doctor, who can give specialized advice.
