Time for yourself is often neglected. Try to allow yourself a time out even in stressful phases. If you find time for yourself as a carer, you don’t need to feel ashamed. Take your time and think about what is particularly valuable to you personally. You can be choosy. Don’t use free time to fulfil the expectations of others! Ask your relatives or neighbours to help at home for short periods of time to make free time possible. Choose times that require less care. In some places, volunteers offer to provide care at home. Sometimes you can also make use of professional care services.

If you miss the opportunity to talk to someone, you could go to a self-help group. If you feel under persistent psychological strain, do not hesitate to look for psychological support.

In the case that your relationship with the person you are caring for is suffering as a result of the changed situation, this may be a good reason to contact a couples or family counselling service. They will help you to communicate as equals and find your way into the new family life together.

Being in need of care, your family usually has to cope with less income and high expenses at the same time. Here you will find useful tips on where you can apply for financial assistance. If you find yourself in a very acute financial emergency, debt counselling can also provide support. This is ordinarily provided for free by charity-organisations and local communities. You can find some links below.

Caring for a person usually means full physical effort. To reduce your efforts, it makes sense to think about aids and modifications (e.g. lifts). You can find out more here item. The local pages on building up your personal resilience might help you as well.