Unpaid carers advised to seek flu jabs this winter

Head of dementia services at , one of the country’s largest care providers, is urging home-based family carers to organise flu jabs before the depths of winter arrive.

Maizie Mears-Owen’s care group might have first-hand contact with many vulnerable adults, but she is keen to see the importance of flu jabs realised beyond the profession, including for carers themselves.

She comments: “We know that family carers routinely put their loved ones first, and so may make a special effort to take them down to the doctor for their jabs. But it’s really important that they take the chance at the same time to have their own vaccination – after all, if they fall ill, the person they care for is affected too.”

She continues: “If you’re not sure whether you can get a flu jab – if, for instance, you’re younger than 65 – get in touch with your GP. You can explain that you look after someone as their main carer, that you’re concerned about what will happen to them if you fall ill and also raise any health problems of your own. You might fall into one of the clinical risk groups, which would make you entitled to a free jab. They will also be able to tell you if a flu jab is right for you.”

Almost two-thirds of the estimated 700,000 adults in the UK with dementia are cared for by unpaid family carers, so the potential of flu affecting households this winter is considerably higher if no jabs are sought.

Mears-Owen adds: “We really want family carers to look after themselves – if they can do that, they can not only lead healthy and happy lives themselves, but also care for their loved ones as they would wish.

“Many of our care homes have day centres where family carers are welcomed and supported, and we hold events across the country to offer them help, advice and even a treat, such as pampering sessions. They deserve the best support and help we can give them, and that includes helping them to look after themselves too.”