Carers’ health and wellbeing

Overview Health, wellbeing and relationships Further information for carers

Health, wellbeing and relationships

Getting breaks

Breaks are vital for your wellbeing and quality of life.

VOCAL’s video describes the difference a short break can make to a carer.

Find out more about different short breaks.

Sleep

Being fit and healthy is important for you, not just the person you care for.

There is information about getting enough sleep on the Carers Scotland website. You can also find support on NHS inform, including how to get help from your GP if you’re struggling to sleep.

Eating well

There are resources available to help you eat well and look after yourself.

You can read about nutrition from Carers Scotland

NHS inform also has information about the importance of a healthy food – and how to create a balanced diet.

Exercise

It’s not always easy to find time for exercise. But it can help you feel better, reduce health risks, and manage stress.

Read more on getting active from Active Scotland.

On the National Wellbeing Hub, you can also find online guidance about:

• meditation
• yoga
• gentle exercise

Stress

There are a number of organisations available to help you deal with the stress of being a carer, including your local carer centre.

The National Wellbeing Hub has a section dedicated to resources for unpaid carers.

NHS inform has information about managing stress and how to access professional support.

You can also meet other carers through carer centres, and support organisations, like:

• the Carers Scotland forum
• Carers Trust Scotland
• MECOPP, supporting black and minority ethnic carers and communities
• Age Scotland, supporting older people

Speaking to your GP

You can ask your GP for a health check. Your GP practice can also provide you with support, advice and information.

This includes access to:

• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• continence advisors
• dieticians

Read more on getting help from your GP from Carers Scotland.

Relationships

Being a carer can put pressure on relationships with partners, children, other family members and friends. You may feel like you’re constantly juggling your time and trying to keep others happy.

Carers Scotland describes the feelings of guilt and resentment you might have about your role.

Read more about relationships from Carers Scotland.

Bereavement

If you’ve been caring for someone, losing them can be particularly hard. If you lose someone you’ve been caring for, you may feel a great loss or a sense of uncertainty.

If you’re struggling to come to terms with a loss, there are a number of organisations offering help, including Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland.

Read more about bereavement on NHS inform.