Emma Soames
Posts: 1
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 10:30:30
Do you have a neighbour or friend who is a fulltime carer? To coincide with Carers week at the beginning of June, Saga is launching a campaign called Share the Care. We hope to encourage neighbours and friends to offer support to local carers - cooking them a meal, helping with shopping or offering to 'babysit' so the carer can get out. We know that these sort of things can make all the difference to the quality of life of people who are giving up so much of their lives to look after a disabled child or a poorly partner - in some cases both.
I am sure that there are lots of you who help out in this way on a regular basis. We'd like to know what sort of help is most appreciated in your experience. We are also looking for some Zoners who may be happy for their experiences to be used as part of the launch of this campaign in the next few weeks. Post your stories here and please indicate whether you would be prepared to allow us to use you or your story in the media.
Please help us to get Share the Care started.
Many thanks,
Emma Soames
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cridders
Posts: 5465
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 12:12:10
Hello Emma
I am a fulltime carer to my husband and have been for quite a few years. I retired some 4 years ago because the need for him got to a point when working was not an alternative.
I value friends who seem to understand what a 24/7 carer is all about and offers to take me out for a meal when the going gets tough, telephones to see how we are,offers help in times of need.
I value neighbours who over the years I never really got to know but have done so since their help in our situation has been greatly appreciated.
Family's sometime really do not see problems that are there because of their busy lives therefore little constructive help is available when needed, I guess it is easy to pay a call once a week and that becomes the extent of their committment.
Full time caring is hard and can become very frustrating to cope with the best will in the world there are times when one feels there should be more in one's life, but we put aside those thoughts and carry on.
We all try so hard to put a show of total independance when really we are crying for a little help.
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John G.
Posts: 16
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 15:27:08
Hi I'm John G.
Started the Carers Club some while ago now, ....... why! because I thought it would be nice to share and help others in the same position as myself. A 24/7 carer for my beloved Wife June, who has Parkinson's.----- In fact it turns out, that the person I helped most, was MYSELF.
As it has given me a new lease for life, something to go to the computer for. Notes to look out for, questions to answer [ No not really ]...... as not one of us is a professional in the true sense of the word. JUST PEOPLE WHO CARE !
Some because we have know choice, some because we choose to, some! to answer a cry for help.
However no matter what--why, or for what ever reason. We all share that common goal, of looking after someone worse off than ourselves. The problems are so varied, and cover such a spectrum of reasons, as to why folks. ------- [ young and old ] need help.------------ But stand by me they DO.
We have approx 33 in the Club now, and its growing in strength, which pleases me know end.
I am not truly sure how it is I could help you but, suffice to say.If found that I could I surely WOULD
Please, understand that I do not speak for any Club members other than myself.
Your comments in what ever way would be welcome
Kind regards
John G.......... Just a carer, who cares. x
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chillingout
Posts: 7784
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 15:33:09
I know what it's like to have to care for an adult from a child's perspective, it may have been several years ago but regretfully nothing much appears to have changed. Any info about my experience please ask
Ali
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Taffimak
Posts: 1
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 17:24:23
At first this seems a good idea, but what if, like me, one lives in what has become a student area, so there are no neighbours who could help? I am an 82yr old full-time carer. Living around here are just young students who come and go - not long enough to get to know them.
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octogen
Posts: 2
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 17:32:07
I am willing tohelp on any way i can, because i had 5 years caring for a sick wife.
Unfortunately i cannot travel farand must stay loacally.
That would be Weymouth in Dorset, within a bus distance.
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peteraf
Posts: 2090
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 17:42:24
For those in who can get it there will be a short debate on radio wales sat morning sometime after 8
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rowser
Posts: 3099
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Posted At: 22/05/2009 18:01:56
I would be quite willing to help for 4-8 hrs a week around the East Carmarthen ,Swansea area. Will not be able to listen to the B.B.C. Wales broadcast tomorrow as I'm doing voluntary work but would welcome feedback please,
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Sandpiper
Posts: 663
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Posted At: 26/05/2009 20:32:21
How do you know whether someone you might perceive as being in need of a little help, actually wants it? My neighbour opposite cares for her elderly and infirm Mum, but also has the support of other siblings. Do they really want me sticking my nose in - or how would I know when a neighbourly question might prove a step too far?
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Efm
Posts: 32
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Posted At: 27/05/2009 07:07:40
If you dont ask you'll never know. An offer is a kind act in itself.
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Red Andy
Posts: 71
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Posted At: 27/05/2009 17:44:08
Sandpiper makes a good point it is difficult to know what to do,I cared for my Stepfather and
Mother, During the day i could count on professional help and my sister was able to help.
It was however evenings and weekends that were the problem. Communication is the answer
to beating the isolation that is the enemy of all carers
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kentzone
Posts: 25137
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Posted At: 27/05/2009 17:52:19
We care for my mother in law; my dear lady full time, and despite having other siblings around we do tend to find we do the lot.... Not that we're complaining as she isn't severely disabled and we can still get about a bit.... but others might be in a similar position who would appreciate someone knocking and asking the question...
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chillingout
Posts: 7784
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Posted At: 27/05/2009 19:11:53
My experiences are'nt current, they go back to the 60's. I'd like to state my experience as a child and that of my father to see if anything has changed. I don't want to detract from anyone who is currently caring for a relative, and feeling isolated as a result
Ali x
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cridders
Posts: 5465
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Posted At: 02/06/2009 18:42:42
Hi Emma
John G has contacted me regarding speaking to the media regarding CARE please feel free to contact me
Sally
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Diane x
Posts: 360
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Posted At: 03/06/2009 19:00:12
Hello Emma - I am not a carer , but John G has contacted me as a worker and supporter of carers.
Regarding talking to the media, I am happy to help.
Diane
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Saga Zone Host
Posts: 2364
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Posted At: 04/06/2009 16:28:19
Do you have a neighbour or friend who is a fulltime carer? To coincide with Carers week at the beginning of June, Saga is launching a campaign called Careforcarers. We hope to encourage neighbours and friends to offer support to local carers - cooking them a meal, helping with shopping or offering to 'babysit' so the carer can get out. We know that these sort of things can make all the difference to the quality of life of people who are giving up so much of their lives to look after a disabled child or a poorly partner - in some cases both.
I am sure that there are lots of you who help out in this way on a regular basis. We'd like to know what sort of help is most appreciated in your experience. We are also looking for some Zoners who may be happy for their experiences to be used as part of the launch of this campaign in the next few weeks. Post your stories here and please indicate whether you would be prepared to allow us to use you or your story in the media.
Please help us to get Share the Care started. If you would like to share your story, please email Naomi.thornton@saga.co.uk
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gbjoce
Posts: 4499
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Posted At: 09/08/2009 22:48:15
I care for my 91 year old mother but I am very lucky that my two sons want to help out too. My youngest...28...said yesterday...that when she dies I don't want to be thinking I could have done more. Nice but unless you are a saint I am sure we would all feel we could have done more. But she was a lovely grandma to them and I am just happy they both feel they want to help her now.
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