Ask your pharmacistwho cares for the carer

Ask your Pharmacist:
Who Cares for the Carer?
Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie
 
In Ireland there are approximately 160,917 carers (CSO, 2006). In 2008,a Care Alliance Ireland report revealed that over 40% of carers experienced stress and tension, almost 18% experienced depression, 22% suffered from anxiety, 29% suffered from headaches and just over a quarter suffered from lower back pain.

Carer Stress    

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or you’re in over your head. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind and even risk of burnout. When you’re burned out, it’s tough to do anything, let alone look after someone else. That is why making time to rest, relax, and recharge isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity.
 
Tips for getting the caregiving help you need

Speak up.
Don’t expect friends and family members to automatically know what you need or how you’re feeling. Be up front about what’s going on with you and the person you’re caring for. If you have concerns or thoughts about how to improve the situation, express them; even if you’re unsure how they’ll be received.

Spread the responsibility.
Try to get as many family members involved as possible. Even someone who lives far away can help. You may also want to divide up caregiving tasks. For example, one person can take care of medical responsibilities, another with finances and bills, and another with groceries and errands.

Set up a regular check-in
Ask a family member, friend, or volunteer to call you on a set basis (every day, weekly, or how ever often you think you need it). This person can help you spread status updates and coordinate with other family members.

Say “yes” when someone offers assistance
Don’t be shy about accepting help. Let them feel good about supporting you. It’s smart to have a list ready of small tasks that others could easily take care of, such as picking up groceries or driving your loved one to an appointment.

Be willing to relinquish some control
Delegating is one thing. Trying to control every aspect of care is another. People will be less likely to help if you micromanage, give orders, or insist on doing things your way.

You are invited to a free carer event

Full time caring can be burdensome, challenging and yet rewarding.  With this in mind that Mullingar Mental Health Association along with the Carers Association Longford/Westmeath Branch, Mental Health Ireland and the HSE Psychiatry for Later Life are holding a free seminar this Thursday October 9th in the Annebrook Hotel.
 
The day is about exploring the general awareness of caring and the importance of providing support both practical and emotional to carers. Dr. Michael O’Cuill will address the role of the carer in the journey of their loved one. Paul Marsden Occupation Psychologist will discuss mindfulness for self-carer. There will also be free health screening from Whelehans Pharmacy (Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Haemoglobin) and talk on nutrition for wellbeing by nutritionist Aisling Murray form Whelehans Pharmacy. Jacinta Kitt, part time lecturer TCD is the key note speaker and there are other expert speakers on the day. It is great chance to find out about supports and services available to carers
 
Free carer seminar is taking place on Thursday 9th 1st October in the Annebrook Hotel commencing with registration tea/coffee @ 10.00am. Further information from Denise Nolan 086 0403481 or visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie