Empowering Carers: Strategies for Maintaining Well-Being While Caring for Loved Ones - With Sara Challice

In this episode of the Care Without Burnout podcast, host Donna Bentley-Carr speaks with Sara Challice, a former carer who dedicated 13 years to supporting her partner through a battle with a malignant brain tumor. Sara shares her personal journey, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving, including the risk of burnout and the importance of self-care. They discuss practical tools for managing stress, the significance of finding joy in small moments, and the necessity of seeking support and respite. Sara emphasizes the need for carers to prioritise their own well-being to provide better care for their loved ones, and she offers valuable insights and advice for those just starting their caregiving journey. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the resilience of carers and the importance of community and self-compassion in the caregiving experience. Self-Care is Essential: Carers often neglect their own needs while focusing on their loved ones. It's crucial to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Seek Support and Resources: Carers should actively seek out support services, such as local charities and respite care options. Many resources are available that can help alleviate the burden of caregiving. The Importance of Breaks: Regular breaks are vital for carers to recharge. Taking time away from caregiving responsibilities can lead to better care for the loved one and improved mental health for the carer. BEST MOMENTS "I realised not only was I last on my list, I wasn't even on the list of priorities. I knew I had to make changes." "Carers UK says on one of their particular surveys, the best part of 70% of carers fall mentally or physically unwell." "By having a rest, you're helping your loved one. You're actually going to be able to do a better job and do it for longer." USEFUL LINKS https://www.whocares4carers.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Donna brings both professional depth and personal lived experience to every conversation. She holds a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and is a qualified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach.  She had 28 years in NHS nursing and clinical leadership - including Matron roles in a busy teaching hospital -  yet found being a carer for a loved one incredibly challenging. That was when she founded Care Without Burnout, a not for profit Community Interest Company, to bridge a gap the NHS simply doesn't have the capacity to fill: preventative, relational support for the people doing the caring. Whether you're in the thick of it right now, supporting someone who is, or working alongside carers professionally this podcast is for you. New episodes every Monday. Subscribe wherever you listen. ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/18sSX8fkRw/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/carewithoutburnout?igsh=MTdvdmV6enY4ZTkxNw==⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@cwb.cic?_r=1&_t=ZN-97SQfpF2r26⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠  ⁠https://carewithoutburnout.org⁠