PUTTING CARERS ON THE MAP.
It’s National Carers Week – actually every week should be Carers Week but specifically 11-16 June is the time we turn our attention to carers and this year’s theme has been ‘putting carers on the map’. According to the 2021 census a staggering 9% of people in England provided unpaid or informal care – today close to 5.7 million people – around 60% of which are women are carers. Simply staggering!
I consider myself a kind and caring person, but I never envisaged becoming a carer.
I currently care for three people.
My Mum has advanced Dementia and my Dad who is her main carer, has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). My sister and I are both part time carers for our parents.
Mum still lives at home and we have paid carers who come in daily to support her – our ‘superheroes’ we call them! But the daily chores we all take for granted from shopping and meal prep to doctors and specialist appointments are shared out between us, including providing respite for each other.
Nothing is straightforward when looking after anyone with complex needs such as dementia. They can’t be left alone, round the clock care is essential, there are medical calls, meetings with care agencies, council and social care. It is a full time job in itself with no training … and for most, you still have your day job.
In 2022 my best friend, Lisa, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She was lucky to be selected for a clinical trial last year and so began the arduous task of long treks from the midlands to London for a prolonged period of time for treatment. I didn’t hesitate to take on this role – friends for life right? I even care for her dog which is not arduous at all!
It sounds tough right – pretty bleak? Don’t get me wrong - it really is tough, emotional, and at times physically draining, but being a carer is also extremely rewarding. For me, supporting those I love is a real honour.
If I was to give one piece of advice as an informal carer, it would be to ensure you look after yourself. It sounds very cliché but so important to practise self-care – it can literally be a life saver – whatever amount of time you are able to put aside for it.
Do things you enjoy - walk, seek solace in nature, spend time with friends or pets, read, listen to podcasts – the list is obviously endless but easy to forget. Know that you can’t be everything to everyone all of the time. There are agencies and organisations there to help – find them and use them.
I love the analogy that you ‘can’t pour from an empty cup’ – and nothing beats a nice cuppa with a friend!
One of our company values is ‘Care’ – and this really come to the fore for me as I am able to work flexibly and from wherever is necessary – a waiting room, Mum’s house, Lisa’s house, while dog sitting – wherever (the new hybrid world has really helped with this). As an employee I feel cared about. There is support in place for me to be able to be the ‘Interaction’ me and the ‘Carer’ me.
So this week I salute all Carers. I see you, and I truly feel and appreciate your efforts – wherever you are. Let’s put Carers on the map - not just this week but every week.