Who will care for the carers?
- Written by: Hilda Campbell — COPE Scotland — Chief Executive
- Published: 8th June 2020
For Carers Week 2020, Hilda reflects on what we can do collectively to do more for unpaid carers as we define a new normal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the value and importance of the work of our colleagues in the NHS and now the care sector. This is super and their efforts should continue to be appreciated. It’s important however that we also think about the unpaid carers who often make sacrifices to provide care and support to their loved ones.
When I was in nursing working with older adults, often visitors would say I was an angel. I replied, ‘’I get breaks, days off, holidays, paid for what I do, I care and yes work hard, however, it’s my profession. You are the real angels. You do it only for the love.” For those that care for a loved one at home, there are no days off. Breaks are far and few and only when you can grab one and often significant sacrifices are made. For some, this may be needing to give up careers, work, even relationships and/or juggling the needs of their own family with the needs of the one they are caring for. As for holidays, even if one is offered a break, sometimes it can have been so long that you are caring for others that you have forgotten what to do if you have any time to yourself, except maybe, catch up on some sleep.
As we move on from these strange times and into a ‘new normal,’ it’s important we continue to acknowledge everyone who plays a part in building a kinder world, especially our unpaid carers. These are the everyday heroes who have the courage to care and to be there for loved ones. Their wellbeing matters too. There is currently work across Scotland which is rightfully recognising the health and wellbeing needs of unpaid carers. As we move forwards in creating this new world where we live alongside COVID-19, let’s continue to consider the carers in our approach and recovery. Let’s demonstrate such kindness that shows them that it is okay not to be okay and that their wellbeing matters.
Let’s see what we can do collectively to do more to:
- Make health systems easier to navigate so carers don’t feel so overwhelmed in seeking support for a loved one, including where there are issues of suicide;
- Respect carers’ voices and include voices of lived experience when co-developing support for the person being cared for;
- Promote to carers it’s also “okay to not feel okay” and to promote their own health while looking after others. They also matter;
- Raise awareness of support which can help carers feel listened to and that their experiences and wellbeing matters;
- Remind people none of us have superpowers, and no matter how much we love someone, or the support we are offering, we can get tired. Relieve people of the guilt of putting themselves first sometimes;
- Be kind to those who are kind to others every day. Give them the gift of time.
End of page.
You may also like:
A child cannot truly feel safe in a school or community if they do not feel that they belong.
Continue readingFor 20 years, The ALLIANCE has listened to member voices to help protect and improve Scotland's care services.
Continue readingWith the ALISS Customisable Map Tool, organisations can share info about community resources in ways that work for the people they support.
Continue readingIrene Mackintosh, CEO at Mhor Collective shares highlights and hopes for rights in a digital age.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on the proposal to collapse Scotland's 14 regional health boards into two.
Continue readingWhen we listen to lived experience, we create better resources, challenge assumptions and help create safer communities for everyone.
Continue readingGozie reflects on supporting citizen engagement, digital inclusion and hopes for the future.
Continue readingDCP member and Project Co-ordinator Esther Misajel shares Pachedu's journey towards digital inclusion.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, reflects on what ALISS has achieved so far this year and shares what is still to come.
Continue readingAt the ALLIANCE and beyond, true and meaningful policy reform means turning people's experiences into lasting action on the ground.
Continue readingGLP-1s can transform health but without adequate wraparound support, weight loss may come at the cost of nutrition, muscle and wellbeing.
Continue readingSheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, is appealing for support for proposals to restrict tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
Continue readingBilly McClean reflects on why SCIC26 offers a vital opportunity to learn together, share what works, and shape the future of integrated care
Continue readingTo mark the ALLIANCE's 20 year anniversary Paul Okroj reflects on the importance of supported self management.
Continue readingTo mark Scottish Learning Disability Week (7 - 13 September), Bruce Adamson reflects on this year's call to action.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on the current state of social care in Scotland.
Continue readingKicking off September for the ALLIANCE's 20 year anniversary, Grace reflects on the Self Management Programme
Continue readingSara Redmond, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, on the priorities for 2026's Programme for Government.
Continue readingSandra Auld reflects on the ALLIANCE's people focused impact, collaboration, lived experience, campaigns and lasting change in Scotland.
Continue readingMark shares his experience with gambling harms, and how this intersected with the launch of the ALLIANCE's ScotRGH programme in 2020.
Continue readingProfessor Anna Glasier celebrates 20 years of the ALLIANCE and it's vital role in shaping the Women's Health Plan for Scotland.
Continue readingSara Redmond, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, on the challenges faced by community-led health organisations in delivering prevention.
Continue readingAnnie shares her experience of youth politics, and how SAFE has helped her make connections and makes sense of the world of politics.
Continue readingChloe Craig reflects on how we have helped connect Scotland’s lived experience voice to conversations happening beyond our borders.
Continue readingDr Irene Oldfather reflects on two decades of growth, collaboration, and person centred impact across Scotland and beyond.
Continue reading