While Christmas is known as the “season to be jolly”, sadly, this isn’t always the case for Britain’s vast army of carers. In fact, caring at Christmas can be a lonely pastime.
While many are enjoying family gatherings and festive nights out, around 50% of carers experience feelings of loneliness over the festive season.
Research shows 27% of voluntary carers who are looking after a family member have poor mental health. While the vital work of carers at Christmas keeps their loved ones safe, many say there’s little help when they feel low themselves.
Financial and emotional strain
Whether looking after a family member, or working in the care sector, Christmas is just another time of the year if you are looking after someone.
Rather than being enjoyable, it can be stressful, particularly because of the additional expense - 65% of carers saying the cost-of-living crisis has negatively impacted their mental health.
Almost three-quarters say they feel tearful regularly, with some having almost reached breaking point - yet they still carry on with their duties, because they have no choice.
Those working in the care sector will spend little time with their family over the festive period, because the vulnerable people in their care still need to be looked after on Christmas Day.
However, the stress of caregivers is often overlooked, according to the charity Carers UK. It is calling for greater recognition and support for carers from the government and NHS.
Christmas tips for carers
Buying festive food and presents, trying to juggle paying the bills with gift buying and keeping the person you care for stress-free can all add to the challenges.
To avoid some of the problems, plan well ahead, especially if the person you look after feels more comfortable with routine. Don’t leave the shopping until the last minute, or you’ll be spending more time away from home, which could possibly cause panic.
If you’re expecting family and friends over, arrange a gathering beforehand to agree on an approach. Discuss your concerns to make sure everyone’s on the same page to help the festive season run more smoothly.
This would be a good time to ask for help, so you will at least get some rest over Christmas. Other family members may not realise the impact that caring for someone has on your own life. Let them know if there’s anything they can do to assist.
If possible, get a break, even if it’s only a short one. If the person you care for is going to be unhappy at Christmas due to all the changes, such as if they have Alzheimer’s or dementia, look into respite care to help them survive unscathed. The break may do you both good.
Don’t feel guilty about it; even though this is a natural emotion, some time away to recoup will benefit you both.
Speak to other carers if you can’t get a break, simply for morale support. There are also telephone helplines available if you’re feeling low.
Mental health support
If you’re looking into carers’ mental health support, check if the opening hours of services such as helplines are reduced over Christmas.
Also look into the opening times of other health and wellbeing services if you think you might have to use any of them.
Do your best to stay warm and well. Even if you’re struggling with heating bills, don’t take any risks over Christmas, when health services are limited.
Make sure you have sufficient health and hygiene supplies to keep you and the person you care for going until the new year.
Unfortunately, it can be easy to overlook carers’ support over Christmas, as everyone is swept up in the hustle and bustle of the preparations.
When you dedicate your time to looking after others, your own mental health and anxiety issues tend to be brushed aside because of your devotion to helping someone else.
The Mind UK charity’s website suggests talking to your GP, signing up for counselling to talk about how you feel and making a note of the helpline numbers so you can simply pick up the phone when you’re feeling low.
Remember, it takes someone special to dedicate their life to caring for others. Be proud of yourself. You’re doing a great job.
© Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com