Taking the Pressure Off – How the Right Homecare Can Help You Beat Stress

Living with a health condition or caring for someone who has health problems can be very stressful. Our latest blog looks at how homecare from Bluebird Care Camden and Hampstead can help take the pressure off.

Most of us will have experienced it at some time in our lives – the feeling that we’re under too much pressure and are finding it hard to cope. If we’re lucky, it was a fleeting experience caused by a one-off event, like a job interview or driving test, but for some people, stress can be something they have to deal with every day. The Mental Health Foundation report that, of the 12 million people who seek professional help each year for mental health issues, many are suffering from stress-related conditions. Working in social care, we know that living with a serious health condition or caring for a family member is often stressful and getting the right support can be a lifeline. That’s where we believe our bespoke homecare can really make a difference.
 

The harmful effects of stress

Stress can take a heavy toll on your mental and physical health, particularly if it continues for a long period of time. Elevated levels can supress the immune system and have been linked to serious illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and some cancers. Symptoms of stress can include:

·        Anxiety
·        Low self esteem
·        Depression
·        Mood changes and irritability
·        Difficulty sleeping
·        Concentration problems
·        Substance abuse
·        Fatigue
·        Dizziness
·        Headaches
·        Muscular pain
·        Eating too little or too much

So, what causes stress? Well, for many people financial, health and relationship worries top the list, but it’s fair to say that anything can be a trigger depending upon your subjective experience - what may barely be noticed by one person might cause extreme anxiety to someone else. Whatever the cause, the detrimental effect that stress can have on the quality of someone’s life is immense, which is why it’s so important to acknowledge your feelings and seek help at the earliest opportunity.
 

Helping our customers deal with stress

As much as the causes of stress vary between individuals, so do the remedies. For some people who are experiencing extreme stress, getting professional help from a doctor or mental health practitioner might be the answer, for others, just taking a few simple steps could improve their day-to-day experience.

That’s why at Bluebird Care Camden and Hampstead, we like to talk in depth with our customers, and those in their support network, to identify exactly what the problems are. Once we know what practical and emotional support you need, we can design a homecare plan that gives you tailor-made solutions.

As well as addressing the practical care side of things, a large part of combatting stress is to consider the hobbies and activities that our customers find therapeutic. We like to know what makes you feel happy and relaxed! Is it a stroll in the park? Dancing? Petting the dog? Or maybe catching up with friends over a cup of tea? Once our in-home care teams know what you like to get up to, you’ll be able to enjoy the things that make you feel less stressed – whatever activity it is, if it works for you, it’s right.
 

Respite – caring for carers

At Bluebird Care Camden and Hampstead, we’re different from many other care agencies. We like to take a holistic approach that considers not only the individual, but the value and wellbeing of the person’s family carers too. Often overlooked by the social care system, many carers experience poor health due to the emotional, and sometimes physical, strain of their role. We understand that everyone needs to take a break sometimes but that, for various reasons, many carers feel they are unable to leave their loved one with anyone else. That’s where we come in. With years of experience and teams of dedicated care assistants, we can be trusted to provide the highest-quality respite care, giving you peace of mind and the chance to take the well-deserved break you need for your own wellbeing.
 
If you’re finding it stressful trying to cope with caring for yourself or someone else, we’re here to help. Whether you need respite care, daily support or round-the-clock care, we’ve got a homecare package to suit you. Listening is what we do, so why not give us a call on 0207 449 0557 or you can drop us a line using our online form.