Caregivers – the unsung heroes in our lives
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
June 9-15 is Carers’ Week in the UK. June 16 is, of course, our own Heroes’ Day – and the proximity made me think about those unsung heroes in our lives. The carers (or caregivers).
Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) describes a carer as ‘anyone – including children – who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction’. Crucially, these carers are unpaid. And, interestingly, most of them don’t even recognise the fact that they ARE carers…until they’ve been doing the job for two years, according to the NHS. Before that, it’s just lending a hand.
We all know someone who qualifies as a carer, based on these criteria. Maybe we are a carer ourselves.
It’s a tricky job and can also sometimes feel like a thankless one – we are not getting paid, after all. And while our reward may be in heaven, even the most generous soul likes to get a bit of praise here on earth.
The NHS points out that carers’ roles are sometimes made even more difficult by the very closeness (and complexity) of their relationship with the person they are looking after. Your mother. Your child. Your husband. It’s complicated, as they say.
So, this month, let us celebrate these community heroes. Heroes who don’t get medals, but without whom we would struggle. What can we do to make their lives a tiny bit easier? Well, here at pharmacy corner we stock a wide range of products for those folks you may be caring for – things like disposable incontinence pants, for men and women (by Depend, Poise and the Honey Pot company…available on dropit.bm, too). Or barrier cream – over the counter items (like Sudocrem or Desitin) – to help with the beginnings of pressure sores. If you are worried about a potential bed sore, though, make sure to talk to one of our pharmacists – or your GP.
How about dry shampoo Batiste and Garnier Fructis are two brands that we carry – for those in-between-showers days, when a bit of freshening up is called for. We also have massage oil, if lack of movement is an issue and a physiotherapist thinks this will help. Plus, standard staples like cotton buds and pads.
And what about the carers themselves? Sometimes, in order to carry on being one of life’s helpers, you need to take time out to help yourself. We have pain relief for back issues – no matter how strong you are, helping your special person in and out of bed or their favourite chair can take its toll. Clearly, if you have serious back issues, speak to your doctor. But if it’s a twinge, we stock a great selection of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) that can help: in pill form (Advil and Aleve, to name just two), and also gels or rubs like Aspercreme, Salonpas and Voltarol. Prolonged use of these tablets can cause stomach or kidney issues, so if your backache persists, speak to your doctor. But for the occasional ache and pain, we are a great first port of call.
And for some old-fashioned pampering, after a long and possibly fraught day, what about a fragrant bath soak? We have some delicious products from Aura Cacia, Dr. Bronner’s and EO. How about a relaxing lavender foaming bath in the evening? Or if baths are not your thing, then an aromatherapy shower tablet? Assuming you have a bit of water pressure, then pop it in the shower, where the water spray will hit it, inhale, and wash away the cares of the day. Bliss.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
