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I just want to broach this subject as recently i have been in the position of a carer caring for elderley relatives.
I like most of my family love these particular 2 elderley relatives, and , unfortunately as comes with age sometimes they have fallen on hard times health wise.
i have spent most of the summer looking after these 2 relatives, oh dont get me wrong, i wanted to of course.
but, it got me thinking as day after day 24/7 i worried, didnt sleep, spent the day usually from 5am to 10pm waiting on their every need, just how hard it is for those who are carers for years and years.
i longed for a full nights sleep without worry, instead one night i found myself looking up on the internet what to do if someone dies, i spent a 4 hour journey on a bus going to visit one of them in hospital over a 3 week period, then panicking to get back to the other one who i was worried about , it may have not been hard physical work in the sense of work but belive me it was an emotional and physical strain non the less.
i was in a strange place looking after 2 elderly folk , i knew no one, had no one to chat too and sound off , even tho as ive already said, i was happy to be there for loved ones.
it actually opened my eyes to what full time carers of all ages go through, beleive me it is a lonely ride, so, for all you carers out there, i take my hat off to you, i wish you love and hugs, and i for one having experienced it for a short time, but i know theres more to come, would wish you better support and care
I hvent put this post for any sort of sympathy btw, i just think that folk should know and appreciate just what some unsung heroes within our community go through goodness knows how the kids in our society who care for disabled parents cope bless their hearts.
xxI know quite a few carers who are customers Cath. But they have never gone indepth of the daily routines of their lives and work. Reading your post made me think that yes, I can understand and see it is a 24/7 job.
When we are able bodied ourselves and all our family we live with are too I guess you assume everyone has a similar life. That they sleep and eat more or less the same as everyone else.
Unsung heroes indeed.Unpaid carers are indeed unsung heros, and yes it is a 24/7 job. There are 3 people in our little close who are unpaid carers, they do it willingly out of love and I am always amazed at how they manage it. These people don’t do it for financial reward, yet if they weren’t there the cost to the taxpayer would far exceed the carers allowance which, imho, is a joke at £53.90 pw AND taxable AND subject to reduction if you are in receipt of some other benefits.
Cath, should you find yourself in the position again it might be worth looking into local support services; day centres, respite care and so on. Of course it might not be appropriate for the people you are caring for, but it’s always worth knowing what’s out there. Someone in our area did set up a support group for carers, it might be worth looking into any similar local initiatives. Anything to not feel so isolated.
Re the people in our little close who are carers, I’m always touched at how we rally round. One guy goes around and cuts all their front lawns when he does his, another guy trims their hedges, if they are having deliveries one of us will pop over and see if they want us to sit for a little while when they sort things out, little things like that. It’s not much, but I guess every little bit helps.
Good thread Cath , i couldnt have put it better myself .
I would have added to that, but my past experiences on here at voicing my opinion, has taught me not to . :wink:
@annette-curtain wrote:
Good thread Cath , i couldnt have put it better myself .
I would have added to that, but my past experiences on here at voicing my opinion, has taught me not to . :wink:
I think everyone who does a lot or a little for the elderly/disabled or ill, deserve a medal – all ‘we’ do is go and play bridge once a week with an 84yr old and 79yr old – apparently it makes their week! ps. we make sure they win! lol
well done to all of you who do whatever you can mwa mwa xxx
although i agree 99 per cent with all your comments may i just add my mum has just had a stroke in june and need the help of carers 4 times a day well my mum left some money
on the cupboard and one of her carers took it, the case is still under police investigation leaving us as a family disgusted and my mum wondering who and why and now she has the added pressure of letting strangers in her houseA labour of love that i would do all over again if only i had the chance
Flipper XMy grandmother was cared for at home for 4 years, 24/7 – when my grandfather was urged to have a break for two weeks, he put her in an old people’s home – she died! I am not saying old people’s homes are bad, but carers are obviously much better!!
Well done all of you lot who do care! mwa mwa xxx
thanks for the contributions to this, its just i feel carers especially young carers get a bit of a raw deal x
gonna get worse cath with all the cuts. ya can apply for carers x2..
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