Caring for someone can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Many carers reach a point where they’re not sure what might make life easier, or how to get the right kind of support. Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.
Easing daily stresses
That was certainly the case for Monica, one of the many carers supported by Carers Support West Sussex. Through a Carer Assessment, one of the outcomes led to Monica being able to access a simple piece of equipment that went on to ease daily stresses and reduce anxiety levels in her household.
“I find any sort of assessment quite daunting, as they usually make me anxious. I worry about saying the wrong thing or not being properly heard. But the assessment I had with Carers Support was nothing like that. It was really comforting, and I felt able to share things at my own pace.”
Monica has multiple caring responsibilities — for her husband, her grandchild and her niece — and time is always tight. Her assessment took place over the phone, at a time that suited her, so she could easily fit it around her caring role.
Exploring what can make caring easier
During her Carer Assessment, Monica shared that her family often felt uneasy about safety in their neighbourhood. Those worries had begun to take a toll — both she and her husband were feeling increasingly anxious, and it was adding extra strain to their day-to-day life.
As part of every Carer Assessment, our wellbeing workers take time to explore what might make a carer’s role a little easier — from emotional support to practical help, such as equipment that can ease daily challenges. During Monica’s conversation, it became clear that a video doorbell could help give her family a greater sense of security and peace of mind.
One of the outcomes of the assessment was funding for Monica to purchase the video doorbell.
“It has made such a difference,” Monica told us. “It’s given both me and my family some breathing space. The video doorbell allows my husband to see and check what’s happening outside, which helps with his anxiety — and it helps me too. When I’m away from home, I have peace of mind knowing I can see who’s at the door and what’s going on. It’s offered us that extra sense of protection we needed, given where we live.”
She went on to say:
“Although I could have eventually bought the equipment myself, it would have meant saving for quite a while, and I wasn’t sure when I’d be able to afford it. Being awarded the money and arranging the purchase myself was such a simple but meaningful bit of support — it’s really helped me in my caring role.”
How our teams can help you
At Carers Support West Sussex, our Community and Health Teams are here to help you find out whether equipment could make a difference in your caring role too. And if funding support is needed, your Carer Assessment can help explore your eligibility, ensuring you get the right help, when you need it most.
Monica’s experience is a lovely reminder that support doesn’t always have to be big or complicated to make a real difference. Sometimes, it’s the right conversation — and the right bit of help at the right time — that can bring a sense of calm and confidence back into daily life.
If you’d like to explore how a Carer Assessment could support you or find out whether equipment might make your caring role a little easier, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with our Helpline to speak with one of our friendly team members or arrange your own Carer Assessment.
