Written by Jenny Holt, Freelance Health Writer

Caregivers typically help family members or someone in the home who needs assistance on a regular basis. Spanning from daily to weekly services, carers are often related to the cared for person, usually they are adult children (and sadly sometimes minors too) who are now taking care of senior parents. Being a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding, with many adult children feeling forced into a corner leading to feelings of guilt and frustration. Over time, the stress can grow and negatively impact the experience for the carer, as well as the person receiving the care. [Read more…]

It is a little known fact that after 26 weeks of working you are entitled to request flexible working hours. Here at One Community one thing we are looking at presently, is how we can ensure carers are not excluded from working due to the responsibilities of the caring role.

Flexible working could be the answer for many carers who are concerned they may need to reduce their hours resulting in economic hardship, or give up their job all together which as well as the reduction in disposable income could lead to increased social isolation.

We understand here at One Community that it is a difficult balance to strike as a carer – helping a loved one maintain their independence whilst also maintaining your own. Work can provide positive stimulation, a break from the caring role, and also allows a person to follow their own ambitions. [Read more…]