Carers are the unsung heroes of our society, providing selfless care each and every day without seeking anything in return.
Caring for someone can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be isolating, and physically and emotionally demanding.
It’s likely we all know a carer, or perhaps we have even become a carer ourselves without even knowing it!
In our latest episode of The Better Ageing Podcast we talk about the important role of a carer, how becoming a carer can often creep up on you and importantly, how you can be the best carer you can be. As we discuss, this often starts with looking after your own mental and physical wellbeing before helping others (you can’t pour from an empty cup!).
Recognising you are a carer, maintaining your own identity, and connecting with other carers are all important steps towards thriving as a carer and helping the person you care for thrive as well.
So, if you are caring for someone you love, you are not alone and we hope this episode helps provide you with some strategies to help you be the best carer you can be.
If you know of someone providing selfless care each and every day, don’t forget to check in with them (and maybe even send them this episode!).
As mentioned in the episode, you can find useful information at the Carers Victoria website: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/
Listen to episode 22 above or on your favourite app:
Show notes/ topics covered:
0:18 – Welcome
1:05 – How to be the best carer you can be
1:37 – What is a carer?
3:58 – Carer support
5:36 – Physical aspect of caring
7:23 – How to lift safely
9:35 – Having the right aids in the house
10:44 – Recognising that you are a carer
12:50 – Managing the emotional strain of being a carer
14:50 – Take home message
About the experts:
Jason Lee and Dr Jane Fyfield have over 45 years of experience working with elderly Australians. Jason Lee runs his own physiotherapy practice, with a focus on strength and conditioning programs for over 60 year olds. Dr Jane Fyfield works as a consultant to aged care services, is a former Medical Director, and has worked in the public, private and government sectors as a clinician and a non-clinical consultant.