Feeling the pressure with the COVID-19 Crises.

Carers are feeling pressure with the COVID-19 Crises. This is especially true if they are caring for an older person who’s at higher risk if they contract the virus.

Carers are in a particularly vulnerable situation as they and the people they care for are generally more susceptible to infection and the logistics of day to day life are already hard.

Family Carers Ireland

From articles we have read and research we have looked at, Family Carers Ireland have a whole host of practical and emotional support services for carers who might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Right now, there around 355,000 family carers in Ireland but the number could be so much higher. There is an issue around self-identification. This happens where a carer thinks they are not a carer because they are a parent, guardian, or partner.

Caregivers worry about the potential knock-on effects of COVID-19. Their main concern is who is going to look after the person they care for if they contract the coronavirus?

Working from home

For lots of carers right now, working from home is adding huge stress. Before the pandemic they would have been bringing their kids to day services or if it’s a partner they care for they would have got a few hours of outside help. Now the whole family is at home with no outside help.

A Common trait most carers seem to have is that they tend not to ask for that help.

Personal experience

My own mother is Carers and feeling pressure with the COVID-19 Crises. She is a full-time carer for my father who has Alzheimer’s Dementia. Before the Pandemic my father had 3 hours of assistance from the Health Service Executives.  Another carer took him out for coffee or a walk just to give my mother some respite. This has ceased due to the Pandemic to stop the spread of infection. We totally understand this but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s hard.

I know how hard it is to care for my father as it’s a constant on flow of questions which are repeated over and over again. This can be so hard on my mother as she is locked up with him for weeks.

We found some links that may help if you are a carer and feel like you need some help or support during these strange times:

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/coronavirus_information/

https://familycarers.ie/get-involved/become-a-member/

If you would like to purchase your own Uccello Kettle or purchase a Uccello Kettle for someone you care for please follow the link below:

https://www.uccellodesigns.com/choose-version/