Posted on: May 27, 2023
At House of Books & Friends, we think it’s important to understand different types of loneliness and how they can impact individuals in various ways. Today, we’re talking about loneliness in caregivers. Caregiving for loved ones as they get older or become sick can be a difficult yet rewarding experience, which many people, especially women, do for free.
Loneliness in caregivers is especially pertinent as the lifestyle of caregivers completely change as their responsibilities increase, often to round the clock care. They may feel unable to leave their recipient and it is easy to feel that no one else understands their situation – most experiences of caregiving are completely unique. There can also be an increasing lack of social interaction with people other than their recipient, which is an obvious trigger for loneliness.
There are lots of support services for caregivers, which can really help during what can be a difficult period. It’s important – yet hard – to maintain a sense of self whilst caregiving, and accessing support services and reaching out to people around you can really help with that. Please take a look down below for services that support caregivers and can help alleviate loneliness that they may be feeling. As always, House of Books & Friends is a friendly and welcoming space for everyone – a place to escape with a book perhaps. Open from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and 9am-6pm Saturday, do pop in for a chat with one of our booksellers or a quiet moment to yourself.
Support Services
The NHS website offers a breakdown of financial support that carers can access.
Age UK focuses on support for the 2m carers who are 65 and over.
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Currently reading Who Cares by Emily Kenway
This a great read which picks up on many of the raised in this post.