The vital role of carers and why they deserve to be celebrated

At Fish Insurance, we understand the vital role that carers play not just in the lives of the individuals they’re caring for, but also their families and society as a whole. As it’s Carers Week from the 9^th to 15^th June of this year, we thought now is the ideal time to celebrate these unsung heroes who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them.

Every day, the work of professional carers goes unseen by most of the UK. Which might explain why they don’t get the recognition they deserve. But for those they care for, their role can be life changing. Come rain or shine, they are on hand helping to hold people’s lives together. In every city, every town and every village, carers are doing far more than what’s on their job description. They not only offer all-important practical support such as giving medication, washing, dressing and making meals, they also provide something less easy to measure, but far more powerful, such as dignity, compassion and friendship.

Carers don’t clock watch. They stay longer if someone needs their help and support. Why? Well, the clue is in their title. They care. Those they support become their friends with strong bonds being made. They notice when something is wrong or out of the ordinary and then do what’s needed to help. This could be as simple as a kind word or holding someone’s hand, through to taking steps to ensure family and professionals alike are aware of an issue before it can become a problem. Thanks to a carer’s close ties with their clients, they can be the first to notice something is not right and raise the alarm.   

For some, their carers are the most important people in their lives. They step in and make the difference that makes every day better. They are there for people when they can be at their most vulnerable. For example, when someone can no longer get themselves out of bed or are scared because they’re confused due to dementia. A carer is there when it matters most. They make people feel human again. Because as well as supporting someone physically, they also support them emotionally. Lifting their spirits and giving them a sense of purpose.

As well as helping people in their homes, carers also form a link to the outside world. They share what is going on in the wider world and local community. They can also help take them out and participate in social activities. Which in turn gives a sense of belonging. Whether it’s helping someone go to an event or visit friends and family, this kind of interaction that we take for granted can prevent a feeling of isolation and loneliness.

As well as providing physical assistance for a disabled person, a carer’s role can also include encouraging them to regain or maintain their independence. And in doing so, empower them to live a more fulfilling life. This can mean a balancing act between providing the support needed to become independent and ensuring someone’s daily needs are being met. This feeling of independence can be created by helping someone develop new skills through education or training, as well as making the most of their existing ones in such a way as to enhance what they’re currently capable of.

The role a carer plays doesn’t just shape the life of the person they’re caring for, but also their family. Knowing that someone is helping look after a loved one, be it an elderly parent, partner or child, can let you breathe easy. It takes a huge weight off your shoulders, secure in the knowledge that their quality of life, socially, physically and mentally, is being maintained. This kind of reassurance can hold a family together. It can prevent the upset of an individual going into fulltime care.

As we’ve already highlighted, carers don’t do a standard day’s work. They do far more than required. Now, this could be something as difficult as driving through a blizzard to make sure someone doesn’t miss a meal. Or, as simple, but no less important, as playing someone’s favourite song or making their cup of tea just as they like it. After all, even the smallest gesture can make a big difference to someone’s life.

This commitment to caring came to the fore over lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period many carers were quite literally a lifeline. While the majority of us stayed in, they were carrying on with their important work. In some cases, isolated from their own families so that they could safely care for others.

We can’t highlight the amazing work that carers do without talking about the army of unpaid ones out there. These are husbands, wives, sons, daughters and neighbours. They are in their millions, caring for loved ones with little or no support. For many, this has become their lives. It’s a 24-hour role with no break or respite. For others, it’s a juggling act between caring and working, looking after their family or dealing with their own health issues. Each and every one of them deserves recognition for the amazing work they do.

So, where would we be without carers? Both paid and unpaid. Well, life would be very different for millions of people. And not just for those being cared for, but also their family and friends. There would also be a much bigger strain on our already overburdened NHS.  

It’s safe to say, we need to take time out to appreciate the vital work carers do 365 days a year. We need to say thank you for all your hard work, for going the extra mile and for making people’s lives better in so many ways. You’re doing a remarkable job.