A CARE home in Halstead is supporting carers after finding 57 per cent of them felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

Colne View in Dame Mary Walk has launched A Helping Hand, a guide offering advice, after a survey involving 1,000 carers was carried out.

The study by Care UK found 70 per cent of carers in the east never asked for help with caring responsibility.

The guide provides information on the rights of carers and the help they are entitled to.

Omar Taylor, home manager at Colne View, said: “Caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, though it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. We want to remind people that if they’re caring for an older relative or friend, it’s important to remember they may feel isolated or overwhelmed at times - but this is natural, and they are not alone.

“Though they often feel overwhelmed, many people don’t think of themselves as carers, and don’t recognise that care takes a variety of forms- from helping someone to get well after an operation, to popping in to have a chat with someone each day – this all constitutes caring, and the responsibilities can mount up."

The study also revealed 30 per cent of respondents neglect their own wellbeing due to time being taken up by caring responsibilities.

Carers can pick up a copy of the guide at the care home, or they can download it at careuk.com/helpinghand.

For more information contact customer relations manager at Colne View, Kim Richardson, on 03300 572 255 or email Kim.Richardson2@careuk.com.