Advice for Carers

With a prevalence of 1 in 3 living with an MSK condition, it is likely we all know a loved one with arthritis.

Whether it is a close relative, partner, or friend, caring for a loved one with a long-term condition like arthritis is something often overlooked. We want to recognise the enormous task of supporting someone through the pain and emotional impact of long-term illness, and the crucial role a carer can play in helping their loved one get the most out of life.

Here are our suggestions to help you in your everyday life, as well as your caring role:

Become informed

Learn about your loved one’s condition, to understand the illness, getting an idea of what you can expect, such as flare ups, medication, and how to support them. If the person you look after asks you, you can attend medical appointments together and make sure you ask any questions you have too.

Our information page on caring for someone with arthritis can be found here.

 

Communication

Speak to your loved one and find out the support they want to receive from you. It can be difficult to navigate the role and understand the boundaries in your relationship, so make sure you keep an open conversation for both parties with frequent ‘check-ins’ to agree on what is helpful, what works, and what doesn’t. Remember that witnessing someone in pain can be difficult for both of you.

 

Register as a Carer with your GP

You can register as a carer with your GP, which will allow you:

• more flexibility in booking GP appointments, possibly allowing double appointments for both you and the person you care for
• NHS health checks, to make sure your health is prioritised, as caring can take its toll on your health too
• to discuss information about the condition of the person you care for (with their signed permission)

To register, you will typically need to submit a form – enquire are your GP practice. More information here.

 

Look after your mental health

It is easy to neglect your own needs and mental health when supporting those of someone else. Watching a loved one in distress and coping with the complexity of caring can take its toll on your own mental health.

Take note of how you feel and be honest with yourself. Ten minutes of mindfulness, taking a little time to yourself, doing an exercise class, or going on a stroll for some fresh air can help change our mood if we are feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed. Make sure you speak to your GP, or seek more support, if this is happening on a regular basis.

Our mental health directory can be a good place to start

 

Keep active

Improving your levels of activity and gaining strength will help your stamina both physically and mentally.

Carers UK have a fantastic resource to help you look after your body, when you care for a loved one.

 

Schedule breaks for yourself

Easier said than done, breaks are crucial to maintaining the high quality of care you can provide. Make sure you have frequent breaks where you can ‘switch off’ from your duties for a little while. This can look like 30 minutes to write in your journal; some time with your headphones on to enjoy listening to a podcast; a phone call with a friend; doing something that will help you relax and unwind, like a walk, a yoga class, or a bath.

 

Join a support group

Caring for someone can be lonely. Connecting with others is a great way of joining a network of people who get what your experiences are like. You can start your search for a local group on the carers trust website.

 

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is a great way of simplifying daily tasks. Get as much prepared the night before as you can, to help with busy mornings; schedule the week’s activities around appointments, or activities that will require a lot of energy.  You can draw up a meal plan and freeze some meals ahead of time, to help take off the pressure of cooking every day. Our advice on pacing for people with arthritis is helpful for carers too.

Make sure you give yourself some grace on days where things don’t go according to plan.

 

Learn more about financial support you may qualify for

If you look after someone a lot, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance, which can help support you in your role. Find out more on your eligibility on the Government website.

Carers UK have a helpful guide here.

 

Enjoy the little things in life

Making a plan to socialise and enjoy an activity with your loved one can be a wonderful way of recharging and reconnecting, particularly when a flare up has impacted activities. Play a board game, watch a movie together, or enjoy a stroll in the garden, and remember to take stock of things that are going well and treasure times when you can put aside their arthritis and just enjoy life.