Looking at the impacts of caring start thinking about challenges in your caring role. What do you find difficult to manage physically and emotionally and list them. This requires some thought as it is not always easy or clear to identify the real core issues (challenges). For example, a carer found taking her mother out to appointments was stressful and challenging. When she really thought about it the challenge was getting her mother’s shoes and coat on and getting out the door. Once that was achieved everything went smoothly. Until we really think about identifying the real challenges we face we will find it hard to make changes in our lives.

It is important to note that this module is a first step. Once you have more understanding about the challenges you are facing, there are more courses available which will help you to deal with them.