Mental health in care matters more than many people realise. Every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day reminds us that our mental health matters just as much as our physical health. At Dignicare, it’s something we think about every single day, both for the people we support and for the carers who make that support possible.
Mental health and growing older
Later life can bring big changes. Retirement, losing a partner, health problems or moving less easily can all affect how someone feels. Low mood and anxiety are common in older people, but they’re often overlooked or put down to “just getting older”.
Home care can make a real difference. A regular, friendly visit offers routine, conversation and someone who notices when things don’t seem quite right. Our carers get to know each person well, so they can spot early signs that someone might be struggling and gently raise it with family or a GP.
The link between physical and mental health
Physical and mental health are closely connected. Pain, poor sleep, a fall or a long stay in hospital can knock someone’s confidence and leave them anxious about everyday things. Equally, low mood can make it harder to eat well, take medication or stay active.
Because our carers help with both practical and personal care, they’re well placed to notice how one affects the other. A little encouragement at the right moment can help break that cycle before it takes hold.
Small things that support wellbeing
Good care isn’t only about tasks. Some of the simplest things our carers do can have the biggest effect on how someone feels.
Taking time to chat rather than rushing through a visit, encouraging a short walk or a favourite hobby, and helping someone stay in touch with family and friends can all lift someone’s mood. So can supporting good sleep, regular meals and plenty to drink, and respecting people’s choices so they feel in control of their own day.
None of these things are complicated, but together they help someone feel like themselves. For some of the people we support, a carer’s visit may be one of the few conversations they have in a day, so we make sure it counts. We’ve written more about this in our post on how home care reduces loneliness.
Mental health in care: looking after the people who care
Care work is rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. We believe that carers who feel supported give better care, so looking after our team’s mental health is a priority, not an afterthought.
Our carers often support people through illness, decline and bereavement. They spend much of the day working on their own and carry a great deal of responsibility. Without the right support that can take its toll, and burnout is a real issue across the care sector.
It’s also important that everyone, carers included, knows where to turn. Charities such as SOS Silence of Suicide offer free, confidential emotional support to anyone who needs to talk.
Don’t forget family carers
World Mental Health Day is also a good moment to think about family members who look after a loved one. Caring for someone you love can be exhausting, and it’s easy to put your own wellbeing last.
If you’re a family carer, try to take regular breaks, accept offers of help and talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Respite care, where a professional carer steps in for a few hours or longer, can give you valuable time to rest and recharge. Our guide to supporting families through the care journey may also help.
Good mental health in care benefits everyone. When carers feel supported, they can give their full attention to the people they visit, and when clients feel listened to, they are more likely to share how they are really feeling. That is why we see mental health in care as part of everything we do, not a separate topic.
Frequently asked questions
What does mental health in care involve?
Mental health in care means looking after emotional wellbeing as well as physical needs, both for the people receiving support and for the carers providing it.
How can I support mental health in care for an older relative?
Regular contact, encouraging the activities they enjoy and noticing changes in mood all help. If you are worried, speak to their GP or visit the NHS mental health pages. Good mental health in care often starts with simply listening.
Why does mental health in care matter for carers?
Carers who feel supported are better able to support others. Prioritising mental health in care helps reduce burnout and keeps experienced, caring people in the profession.
Where to find help
If you or someone you love is struggling, you don’t have to cope alone. You can speak to your GP, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or contact Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. The SOS Silence of Suicide helpline is also free on 0808 115 1505.
If you’re worried about an older relative and think extra support at home might help, our team in Ilkley is happy to talk things through. Call us on 01943 818274 or get in touch online.
