It is very important to take care of your own needs as well as the person you support, but this can be difficult as a carer. In extreme circumstances this could result in a situation where you are no longer able to continue your caring role, even if this is still your wish.
Don't expect to shoulder everything alone - no-one can be on the go 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff in care homes and hospitals share care and go home at the end of their shift, so don't feel guilty about asking for help.
Ensuring that you eat well, have breaks from caring and can recognise signs of stress are all important. We have provided a comprehensive guide for family carers called Caring and MND: support for you, which provides emotional support as well as practical. This support includes information on:
- making sense of your feelings
- looking after your own needs and well being
- advice on life after caring
The guide is available in print and can be ordered from our advice, information and support team MND Connect. The team is also here to help you if you have specific concerns, questions about external care services or you just need to talk.
