Sarah’s life changed when she became a carer

Support at hand in times of need

Published date: 22 August 2011 |

Published by: Rob Bellis

 


 

 

 

LIFE for Sarah Williams and her family has changed immeasurably in recent years.

In 2001, Sarah’s dad, Keith started to become “very forgetful” and Sarah and mum Barbara suspected that it was something more serious than the onset of old age.

Five years later and the problem was finally diagnosed: Keith, who was in his early 60s by that point, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

It became quickly apparent that he would need round the clock care and that Barbara would be unable to cope on her own.

Sarah took the decision to give up her job as a full time chef to concentrate on helping the family.

“It’s been a big lifestyle change,” the 31-year-old admitted. “But it’s one you have to make for the people you love. I’d contemplated what to do for a few months before I eventually decided I would give up work.

“Dad’s caring pattern wasn’t regular and it needed to be. We had carers coming to help and it was supposed to be set times but, with people moving on, or deciding they couldn’t come at that time, it didn’t work. It was a different person all the time as well and dad needed stability. “My mum was struggling and, when she turned 60, her carers allowance automatically stopped because she then started getting her government pension.”

By giving up work, Sarah was ensuring that her dad would always have familiar faces looking after him, something they felt was very important given his condition.

Mum Barbara, 62, explained: “You have to be able to maintain that routine, for the person who is ill and for the carer. As his condition got worse, that became more and more important.

“His decline was gradual at first. He had to give up work because of fibromyalgia (a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder). Then, in 2001 I consulted the doctor because I knew something was wrong. She said ‘everyone becomes forgetful as they get older’ but I said ‘it’s more than forgetfulness’.

“In 2006 we got the diagnosis and it has got worse and worse since then.”

Both women have given up a great deal to care for Keith and, for daughter Sarah in particular, it can be very difficult to find time to herself.

However, the Williams’ have been very grateful for the support of Wrexham Carers Service.

“A lot of the time it’s just having an ear to bend,” Barbara said. “They have been great, we would have been lost without them. There’s always someone at the end of a phone line you can speak to or you can pop in for some advice.”

Sarah added: “I go to the young adult carers once a month. We just get together and do things like go karting, archery, crazy golf. It’s an opportunity for a little bit of normality – to speak to people who are in the same boat.”

Wrexham Carers Service, based at AVOW, provides a range of support for carers in the country.

Carers Service Co-ordinator Ceri Ord said: “Many carers in the Wrexham County Borough area suffer due to a lack of understanding about what they do – some don’t even recognise themselves as carers. This has a real and negative impact on their health, finances, working and social life, and general wellbeing. There is a range of activities and services that Wrexham Carers Service provides to support carers and make their lives as easy as possible.”

http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/105520/support-at-hand-in-times-of-need.aspx