Carer Information

It can be hard to recognise yourself as a carer, you might feel like you’re simply supporting someone important to you. But understanding your role can help you get the right support.

Entitlements

Most carers are unpaid, but some may receive a benefit called Carer’s Allowance from the government. The Carer’s Allowance is means-tested and so to qualify your household income must be below a certain threshold. If you get Carer’s Allowance then you automatically get Carer’s Support Grant in June of each year.

You might also be eligible for:

  • GP Visit Card
  • Free Travel
  • Household Benefits Package
  • Fuel Allowance

More information about the Carer’s Allowance can be found on the Citizen’s Information website. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/carers/carers-allowance/

Your Role in Patient Care

Everyone’s experience of caring is different. Some people find that they become a carer gradually over time, while for others it happens suddenly. Becoming a carer is important, gratifying, and sometimes challenging. It means caring for the physical health and emotional welfare of another person which can be tiring, demanding and sometimes even frightening. Caring can be challenging and it’s OK if you decide at any point you want a break or need to stop. It’s important to take care of your own health and wellbeing so you can give the best support to the person you’re caring for.

As a carer for someone with lung fibrosis you can advocate for them. You can also support their independence, providing assistance where needed in a nurturing, patient, and respectful manner. You can help them maintain a sense of control by ensuring they are included in all decisions related to their care.

You can also listen to their concerns and provide them with help when they request it. You can also encourage them to have a positive outlook and stay active. Consider exercising with them to keep them motivated and focused on keeping well. It’s important to be understanding, keeping in mind that anyone with a progressive disease may be frustrated, sad, or anxious at times.

Here are a few carer tips:

  • Stay connected to each other – while you may now be a carer, the role you played in the patient’s life before their diagnosis is still important. You are still a son, a daughter, a spouse, or a friend. It’s important to continue to relate to each other in that broader context.
  • Mind yourself – caring can be stressful, and It’s difficult to care for others if you’re feeling drained or isolated. Tend to your own emotional and physical needs. Take time to meet up with family and friends, to exercise, and to continue hobbies and other activities that support your wellbeing.
  • Get help – asking family or friends to pitch in can help you better manage your loved one’s care. It can be as simple as asking for help with the weekly shopping or other errands, organising appointments and helping with transport, preparing meals, dropping in for a visit, or assisting with chores. Speaking with your manager and colleagues can also be supportive if you work while being a carer.
  • Everyone feels grief – it’s perfectly normal for you and the person you are caring for to feel a range of emotions including grief. You probably can’t avoid these emotions but there are a few techniques you can use that may help when you’re feeling low. Consider taking a little time for yourself, sleep, go for a walk, or just sit quietly and reflect. You can also reach out to someone close to you to talk to. Keep to a routine of healthy eating, exercise, and regular sleep as it will help you maintain your physical and mental strength. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, counselling might help. ILFA has a carer’s support group that meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Contact Gemma@ilfa.ie for more information.

For additional information about lung fibrosis, see ILFA’s Patient Information Guide: https://ilfa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Patient-Information-Guide-Final.pdf