Category Archives: Carers

Carers tell of the challenges, sacrifices & rewards that come with looking after relatives’ children

June 22, 2012   Carers, carersweek, Scotland

Blood is thicker than water.

Jun 22 2012 By Craig McQueen

Catherine, Anne, Susan and George at the support group

GRANDMOTHER Anne Swartz knows only too well that blood is thicker than water.

The 58-year-old widow from Dumbarton cares for her three grandchildren, as her own kids were unable to cope.

As one of 20,000 kinship carers around the country, she knows the many difficulties faced by those who take young relatives into their care.

And with this week being Carers Week, shes asking for more recognition for the role they play in making sure the most vulnerable of children get the upbringing they deserve.

“I have two children who have got learning difficulties,” she said.

“In 2005, I took care of my daughters eldest daughter, who had just turned five and was two weeks into school.

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My dual role as a social worker and carer

June 22, 2012   Carers, social workers

Carers want to be listened to and understood

 

Sometimes sitting down for a coffee or tea with carers listening to their experiences is a good way to support them.

I have been a social worker for four years, but I have also been a carer for many years.

Many carers provide inspirational support to their friends, loved ones and family members. Fellow professionals and informal carers are among the most dedicated people I have ever met.

Part of my working role is to provide support to those who care for others; this often entails providing information and advice, as well as offering a listening ear. In my experience it is the listening that carers value the most; many find themselves socially isolated due to their circumstances and just want someone to talk to who can understand their situation.

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It helped to realise we were not alone

June 22, 2012   Alzheimer’s, Carers

THE strains of being a carer fall to many people as an elderly parent reaches infirmity, just at the time they’re supposed to be taking things a little easier themselves.

Friday, June 22, 2012

For Yvonne and Geoff Daniell, it came as the Whitchurch couple were preparing to take retirement in April 2010.

They found themselves faced with the responsibility for caring for Yvonne’s mother Ellen, 91, as she was gradually overcome with dementia.

Visits became necessary three or four times a day, with Yvonne’s chores including bathing her mother, shopping, cooking and dressing her.

By the time 68-year-old Yvonne was referred to the Carers’ Support Centre for Bristol, she says she was close to suffering a nervous breakdown herself.

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