A CARE home in Darlington has launched a new support guide which has been backed by a TV presenter.

Ventress Hall, located on the town’s Trinity Road, has created a support guide with practical and emotional advice for people in the town.

A Helping Hand, which has been supported by This Morning and Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford, has been created after a survey found that 70 per cent of carers feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

The care home made the findings after surveying 1,000 people who care for, or have responsibility for, someone over the age of 55.

The study found that 45 per cent of carers in the North East said they never or don’t often ask for help with caring responsibility, whilst a further 38 per cent admitted that they weren’t aware that there was government support available.

Ms Langsford, who is married to fellow TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, said: “It is sad but not surprising to hear about the pressure family carers put on themselves when looking after a loved one.

“My mum looked after my dad for ten years as his primary carer before we sought help and a guide such as A Helping Hand would have provided some help and comfort for us at a difficult time,” she added.

Judy Wray, home manager at Ventress Hall, 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 that they may feel isolated or overwhelmed at times - but this is natural, and they are not alone.”

The study also revealed that 26 per cent of respondents in the North East admitted that they neglect their own wellbeing due to time being taken up by caring responsibilities.

A further 28 per cent also said that they neglect their relationship with their partner, and 28 per cent even added their relationship with their children was negatively impacted.

Ms Wray added: “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.

This includes 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.”

For more information, visit careuk.com/helpinghand or call Ventress Hall on 03300 572255.