Health advice and support for carers
Lift your mental health
Hear how Martin Kemp is driving Bupa’s mission to get men talking about their mental health. Martin gives Graeme a lift to find out more about what it was like to become a carer, and how it has impacted his own mental wellbeing. Get practical support with providing care and information on protecting your own mental health at the same time.
I think that's the hardest
thing to do, is kind of admit
that you're not mentally okay.
Hi, I'm Martin Kemp,
and with the help of Bupa
I want to encourage men to open up
about their mental health challenges,
so, I'm taking them on a drive.
You need a lift?
So I want to talk to you about caring for
an elderly relative
and how that might affect the carer’s
mental health.
What's your family set up?
So my mum was diagnosed
with Alzheimer's at 59.
She was at home for seven years.
And now she's been in a care home
for nearly three years.
What sort of toll did it take on your mental health?
You feel very alone a lot the time,
really isolated
because your friends are all out enjoying
life and getting on with life and
you're at home caring for your mum.
I had to take some time off work.
Because I wasn't sleeping,
I wasn't eating, I was just
it really affected me badly.
So I decided to seek help.
I think that's the hardest thing
to do, is kind of admit
that you're not mentally okay.
When you put your mum into the care home,
how did that make you feel?
So guilt’s the biggest thing
it's gave me peace of mind.
Yeah.
A huge weight off my shoulders
and I've got a bit of my life back again.
Do you think that makes her happier?
I can spend quality time with her now
as opposed to being stressed.
And from doing that
she's then getting a better visit from me.
So what advice
have you got
for a guy who is taking on
caring responsibilities,
and it's taking a toll
on his mental health?
Be very open about it,
because you'll be surprised
at how many people are in the same boat.
Share, a problem shared. Share a problem. Yeah.
Advice for looking after yourself as a carer
Looking after your mental health: a guide
Our guide to looking after your thoughts, feelings and emotions. As well as how to tell if something is wrong.
Ways to look after yourself as a carer
Follow our six self-care tips to look after yourself while caring for someone else at the same time.
How to look after someone with dementia (and stay healthy too)
Practical ways you can support someone with dementia while protecting yourself from burnout.
Further help with dementia
Guidance on caring for someone with dementia, information on what symptoms to look our for and a detailed comparison of the different types.
Thinking about care for a loved one?
You don’t have to do it alone. With a range of care options to choose from, we can help you make a decision that’s right for you.
Our customer care team are here for you
Our helpful, understanding care advisers offer free advice on anything from funding to finding just the right home. Call a customer care adviser on:
0333 920 5178^
Help choosing a care home
Choosing a care home can be stressful, especially if you've never done it before. We’re here to help you from the start.
Where do I start?
Use our step-by-step guide to help you through the process of choosing the right care home. Starting with finding out which type of care you need, through to arranging visits and assessments.
life in a care home
find out what life is like in a bupa care home, and how exercise and social interaction are being used to combat loneliness.
Care advice
We can answer your questions on providing care. Whether you need a care home or advice on looking after someone at home.
Types of care
Our care homes cater for a range of needs, either on a short or long-term basis. Find out which type of care best suits your needs.
^We may record or monitor our calls. Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.
