Age UK project helps caring gran
Tuesday 6 March 2012
A SOUTH Tyneside gran is praising a charity service for offering her a helping hand.
By VERITY WARD
Published on Tuesday 6 March 2012 08:18
For the past few months, Pat High has benefited from Age UK South Tyneside’s End of Life project.
Mrs High’s husband of 54 years, Ken, 72, suffers from the neurological disorder Huntington’s Disease and has recently been placed into full-time care at Palmersdene in Jarrow.
But the mum-of-two, who was a full-time carer for her husband, has been helped greatly by the charity’s project co-ordinator, Maria Laben.
She said: “I first heard about the service when I attended a carers meeting, probably about six months ago, so I thought I would give it ago and I am so glad I did.
“I was put in touch with a lovely lady called Maria and she’s been such a great help.
“Whenever I need a chat she is there, and we often go out and have a cup of tea together.
“I have found it hard with Ken not being here all the time, and Maria has really helped me.”
The programme, run by the Beach Road-based charity in South Shields, aims to give people more choice about how they would like to die.
It also believes that carers and their families need support at this time and provides emotional and practical help. It can assist with a range of issues, like, in Mrs High’s case, coping with changes in care and dealing with medical equipment which is no longer required
Mrs High from Low Simonside in Jarrow, said: “I honestly can’t recommend the service enough.
“It really makes the difference to know there are people out there who can help and you are not alone.
“I would encourage anyone who is in need to give the charity a ring, they won’t regret it.”
John Briers, chief executive of Age UK South Tyneside, commented: “We are really pleased that we have been able to support older carers in South Tyneside during a difficult time.
“The service offers vital emotional and practical support at a time when they are most in need.
“The service has been well received and we look forward to continuing to expand it to more older carers to enable them to remain fit and well and enjoy quality time with loved ones.”
For more information, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/southtyneside or call 456 6903.