The Cost of Caring

This year’s Carers Rights Day theme is Caring Costs, which got us thinking and inspired this blog. When we read the word cost our mind goes to the financial cost. Yet, as you will see, that’s just one part of the problem… read on.

We rarely choose to become carers. It happens, and we take on the role because we love the person. We want the best for them and often it is the only option. Yet what we often don’t realise when starting out on this journey is the many costs this will have to ourselves and our lives.

Let’s have a look at them.

The cost to our career

First, we have the cost to our careers. Many of us reduce working hours or give up work entirely to care for someone. If we can work, we choose work which is based on the flexibility, hours or location, which allow’s us to juggle our caring responsibilities or nearby in case we are suddenly needed. This might mean taking a pay cut, forgoing our dream job, or letting go of the the career we studied and worked for.

The cost to our relationships

It’s common to let friendships slip away over the years because of our care responsibilities. We just don’t have the time or energy to see old friends or nurture new friendships. Being a carer can also affect intimate relationships, putting a strain on partnerships and marriages, with some of us choosing not to pursue an intimate relationship at all, as we do not know how we would manage it.

The cost to our social lives

Our needs often come last, social activities, hobbies and self-care are rare and getting respite care is not always easy. It’s normal to feel it’s just too much work to organise a night out or weekend away. When we are feeling exhausted, the last thing we want is a night out at the end of a tiring day.

The financial costs

This could include a reduction in income, relying on insufficient carers allowance or other financial support, the costs of equipment and therapies. And with the energy price rises and cost of living increasing, this is becoming a genuine worry for many of us.

 The emotional costs

This could be to our mental health and wellbeing. Most carers experience stress and anxiety, overwhelm and even burnout. Over time this really takes its toll and can also become a physical cost if left unchecked.

This is just a snapshot of some of the real costs associated with being a carer. As a full time carer for my son, Elijah, I have suffered the financial, social, relationship and emotional and health costs that come with this job.

As a single mum with no family, the care responsibilities all rest on my shoulders and there have been time in my life where I have burnt out, the stress and overwhelm has just been too much.

So what can we do about it?

We agree, a lot has to change. There needs to be more funding, more training and recognition of the role carers play in society.

Yet at Carers Collective we believe there are solutions we as individuals can find to improve our day-to-day experience, and that’s through coaching.

When we are feeling calm, in control and resilient we are more able to cope with frustrations and challenges and find solutions, all without a cost to our health and wellbeing.

We cannot always change what’s going on out there in the world. Two years ago it was Covid, then a care crisis, now the cost of living. There will always be something going on which impacts our daily lives.

By taking control of our own wellbeing and mental health, we are taking back the power and this works in good times and challenging times.

We all have all the resources we need inside us but at times we need help and guidance in accessing them. Our coaching for carers programme aim to help you do just that. We believe all carers would benefit from coaching, yet often it’s a lack of time and a lack of money that stop us.

Our Coaching Programs are funded for those who would otherwise not be able to access them, it’s known to have long lasting affects as we provide the tools for you to use when you need them.

We take care of the carers so they can take care of their loved ones and live a happier and fulfilling life.