To have a carer for depression

[mallardduckponds]

Can you do this? Someone to help prompt showers and other self care, maybe go on a walk with you and so on?

Sounds great!

You could also look at getting a personal trainer if it's exercise you need? There's all sorts out there for all levels of fitness. I'm sure someone would be pleased to write you a programme to target your avolition.

It sounds so lazy but it's not exactly the exercise it's more out in the fresh air. The more I walk the more I like it but I find it hard alone xx

Sounds like a good idea, can you afford it?

Should be manageable

Yes, yes, yes!
My friend does this. She has elderly clients and also a few younger ones with depression. She takes them to do their shopping, walks, a coffee and soon going to take some to the Christmas Fairs.
My friend was a Psychiatric nurse with NHS and got fed up with the way things changed and has her own business and will do more or less anything plus she is fully trained so I would suggest you find someone like her because she has the understanding of people with depression and can be patient and understands if they change their mind. You could try asking SS as she does have some clients referred through them so they might be able to tell you of someone. Also they will be checked DBS. Please do this as she has made such a change to one girls life she is able to go out on her own on some days now. Winter is coming and if you can get out of the house it makes such a difference. It doesn't sound the least bit lazy it sounds like a sensible idea to me. If you get started you might be able to join a small group such as the Ramblers. They have different levels of walks and many people join to stop getting depressed when they are on their own. Good luck.

If you are near me op I have 2 lovely Lurchers that would cheer you up on a beach walk whenever you wished?!

You're definitely not near me! Very land locked

Plenty of care agencies offer this service. You could even post an ad in the local paper.

Are you getting the right medical help though as well?

Yes, yes, yes!
My friend does this. She was a Psychiatric nurse who became disillusioned with the NHS and started her own business. She has some young people as well as elderly care clients. One lady she goes walking with or shopping and a coffee if pouring down. She is planning on taking some to the Christmas craft fairs too. She will do anything. I think she charges about £10-12 an hour but she often over runs and doesn't charge. SS refer people to her too and I suggest you ask them if they know of anyone as they will be DBS checked. Good luck I hope it works out well for you and it isn't lazy it is sensible as winter is coming and you need to get out and get some fresh air you will better for it. If you can't find anyone have you considered walking groups like the Ramblers. They are usually quite small groups and have different diffulty levels of walks. People often go to help with depression so you are bound to find someone in the group to gel with. Good luck.

Oops it did show up as posted before can someone remove this one please.

We have Home Helps who do this kind of thing quite happily - as long as it doesn't drift into personal care but is companionship/domestic help then it's fine. I work for Age UK Surrey but we help people of all ages. Check out your local Age UK or Age Concern and see what they offer.

Have a look around your local area to see what organisations are out there, some offer befriending services, it's quite difficult to find the right one, but most can signpost to another...

Going through an agency CAN be more expensive but all staff are already DBS checked & they'd probably be able to accommodate you especially if the hours you need are in between their busy hours.

You can hire anyone to be your PA, if you advertise & make it clear how many hours are available I think you would get a positive response.

I urge you though, please PLEASE ensure that whoever you do employ has a full DBS check. You shouldn't get any resistance from good applicants.

In the first instance, a call to adult social care may be worth it as they can signpost you and save you a lot of time.

Good luck. YANBU at all.

Yes there are companies that do this.

Any private care company offering companionship will provide this service for you. Expect to pay between £20 and £25 per hour.

This sounds like the best job ever!

Assuming you're a nice person, it would basically be like being paid to hang out with a friend.

I'd do it in a heartbeat if I didn't have to work full time.

Thing is there's only so much the g.p. can do ...

Thanks

Erm - it certainly wasn't used with an aggressive

Intent. Passive or otherwise.

Helpful fondant

Its a great idea and it will really help you manage your depression. And you are right - pay someone and set boundaries such as no children. I had CBT for PTSD and agoraphobia, and some of it was things like going to the shopping centre with the therapist or a carer, making timetables and setting goals. It really helped.
I know it doesn't feel like it now, but this time will pass.

I'm in a similar position and getting help through the NHS. I really had to push (I'm the opposite of forceful) before my diagnosis was upgraded from mild to severe.

I understand the reluctance re. a volunteer but maybe you could pursue paid and voluntary avenues? Get as many irons in the fire as possible You could use the paid help for doing the tasks you say you'd feel uncomfortable asking of a volunteer. Meanwhile meet with the volunteer as an extra session even if it's just once a week going for a coffee/ walk at first. You never know you might click and want to set up a regular arrangement depending on their schedule. Or try a different volunteer if it's not working out.

In the meantime pursue help via GP and don't downplay your symptoms. Have you been referred to the Community Mental Health Team?

I've been encouraged to go to MIND but I haven't made it there yet due to anxiety

My local one runs various (free) groups and classes, practically every day, morning and afternoon. There's also an organisation called health walks in my area which run free guided walks suitable for all fitness levels.

I really admire your ability to be proactive!

Thanks for advice.

The G.P. can't offer much beyond meds and counselling. I don't find counselling very helpful and in any case one hour a week isn't really what I need. I'm currently taking mertazipine but it wears me out so much.

Hoping an agency gets back to me today.

If you are self funding then it's nobody else's business but your own what care you pay for for yourself! It sounds like a no brainier though if you can afford it -
if it's going to help make your day to day life easier then clearly it's a good idea. Good luck with it all - hope you get someone lovely and that it improves your quality of life considerably.