1.	Younger man helping an older man to walk outside

GETTING STARTED

Starting your caregiving journey

Things to consider as a new carer

When you become a caregiver, your world changes. The challenges you face are unique to your situation and the caregiving relationship you're about to enter. There are a few key things to consider when starting out. We 've put together some questions and suggestions for you to discuss with your loved one.

Get the basics right

When you become a carer, you’ll have lots of questions. But first of all, you should understand the condition of your loved one, the tasks at hand and how to make them feel safe.

Do you understand the medical condition?

Talk to your loved one's doctor and ask about the diagnosis, the state of health and what to expect. Review different types of care with the doctor, and choose what's best for your loved one.

Learn about incontinence

Do you need help with prioritising tasks?

There’s a lot to consider when you’re a carer to make sure your loved one is comfortable and looked after. We’ve identified five key areas to focus on, to help with prioritising tasks.

Sort your priorities

Is your loved one safe if they are left alone?

Check to see how safe the home environment is. Work out what changes are needed for the home to be 100% safe and comfortable and assess the situation with your loved one.

Make a safe environment

Choose the right products

When caring for a someone with incontinence, you need to get the right type of absorbent product for their needs. Find out how to make the right choices for your loved one.

Do you know what type of product they need?

We have a whole range of absorbent products designed for different needs. Whether your loved one is mobile and independent, or if they can’t move about very well, we’ve got products to suit them.

Find the right product

How much absorbency would suit their leaks?

The level of absorbency depends on how much leakage your loved one experiences throughout the day and/or night. We’ll help you find the right absorbency for their needs.

Find the right absorbency

Which product size would fit them best?

It’s really important to get the right sized product for your loved one. If it’s too big, it’ll feel bulky and let leaks out. If it’s too tight, it might chafe the skin. We’re here to help you get the perfect size.

Find the right size

Don’t forget about yourself

When you’re caring for someone else, it can be easy to forget about yourself and put their needs above your own. But you need to find a balance and look after yourself too.

How are you taking care of yourself?

It's important to find time for yourself. Take care of your own health as well as your loved one’s. Eat well, get enough sleep and keep active. Take some time to look after your mental health, too.

Take care of yourself

Who can help you with caregiving tasks?

Make a list of all the tasks you need help with. Ask family  and friends for help, and work out a plan together. You can also look into local caregiver resources that could support you.

Divide the workload

Are you able to manage the stress?

Being a carer can take its toll, because there’s a lot to do and it’s not an easy job. But we’ve got a few tips on how to manage stress levels by adding a few ideas into your daily routine.

Manage stress levels

Stay on top of finances

Caring for a loved one can come with a lot of financial responsibility. We’ve got some articles to support you with the financial side of being a carer.

How can you reduce caregiving costs?

The costs of caregiving can easily pile up if you’re not keeping track of it all. We’ve put together some advice to help you provide cost effective care for your loved one, without cutting corners.

Cost-effective care

Is there any financial support available?

There are many options for caregivers to get financial aid to help deal with the costs of caregiving. From getting government support, to getting help with household expenses.

Financial aid

What organisations are available to me?

We’ve put together a list of local organisations and charities that could be useful for you to get in touch with. You can also try crowdfunding through various platforms.  

Local organisations and charities
ProSkin product range

Looking after elderly skin with TENA Proskin

As the skin ages, it becomes more fragile and in need of extra care. That’s why we’ve developed a range of TENA ProSkin products to help keep the skin clean, dry and protected in three simple steps.

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