A Milton Keynes writer has produced an 'indispensable guide for anyone who, now or later, finds themselves in a caring role.'
For the last ten years Jane Matthews has been a carer – for the third time in her life – gaining an even greater understanding and knowledge of what being a carer involves and the challenges it entails: personal, emotional and practical. She has come to realise that the most important message she can give her readers is the importance of self-care.
The Carer’s Handbook aims to be a one-stop-shop for the huge percentage of the population who find themselves in a caring role, whether that involves supporting a housebound neighbour, or giving up work to care full-time for a confused parent.
This comprehensive guide will also help carers care for themselves.
It considers all the difficult feelings that go hand in hand with caring, including anxiety, anger, resentment, guilt and, more broadly how relationships may be affected.
There's guidance on what to do when a carer feels they are no longer able to cope, and how to prepare emotionally and practically for the time when caring comes to an end.
It includes:
An extensive list of resources to arm carers with all the contacts they need to not just survive but thrive in their role
How to avoid depression and set boundaries
Tips for family and friends to help support carers
Case studies from carers sharing their real experience on the front line of looking after loved ones
The Carer’s Handbook is out now through Little, Brown Book Group, priced £9.99.
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