Caring for someone who has a heart condition
"I am a carer, but I don't think of myself as one. I
think that part of loving someone is looking after them. If the
boot was on the other foot he'd do the same for
me".
Every day, six thousand people take on a caring responsibility.
Many, perhaps like you, don't even consider themselves to be
carers, but think they are simply partners, family or friends doing
what anyone in their situation would do: caring for someone they
love.
Caring for yourself too
Being a carer for someone who has a heart condition can be
very demanding - both physically and emotionally. Some carers
will juggle their job at work with home and family life as well as
looking after their partner or relative.
If you are a carer, whether your caring involves
emotional support, taking on extra chores or caring for someone 24
hours a day, you need to have a life of your own and
to take care of your own physical and
mental wellbeing. This includes taking regular breaks
and time out for yourself.
Carers
UK is the charity that campaigns for the rights
of carers. They know the importance of recognising yourself as
a carer and suggest the following can be helpful:
- Tell your GP, because looking after your
health is important too
- Tell Social Services, because they provide a
range of services for carers
- Tell people at work, because you may have to
take time off for hospital appointments
- Find out about and claim anything you may be entitled
to, such as carers allowance
- Find your nearest carers groups and
centres
- Look after yourself - take time to treat
yourself
- Plan for the future
The more your role as a carer is recognised the more the
better access you will have to support. We know that caring for a
loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be
stressful.
Where can I find support?
"I know now that you can still have a positive life
-
you just have to know where to go
for support"
Whether you need practical advice, a sympathetic ear or a chance
to take a break, there are plenty of organisations ready to give
you that support.
Our booklet Caring for someone with a heart
condition contains practical information, such as
financial help you may be entitled to and the emotional aspects of
being a carer and how to cope if things get difficult. It also
includes details of organisations that are able to provide
carers with support. You can download or order it
from our publications section.
Our affiliated Heart Support
Groups are one of the best places for both heart
patients and their carers to get help and support. Set up
by patients and carers, they do a tremendous job in bringing fun
and friendship into peoples lives after the traumatic experience of
a heart incident or diagnosis.
Our Heart Help
Line cardiac nurses and heart health
advisors are here to provide you
with information and support on anything heart
related.
