In the early 1990's I was a carer to my elderly mother. As well as the usual problems of old age she also had Parkinson's and suffered panic attacks both at home and when she went out.
After my father died I moved to her home so that I would be there for her rather than 30 miles away. Over the next three years her health both mental and physical deteriorated.
She became unstable on her feet, confused and in the middle of the night tried to get up and cook the dinner or go out to the shops.
All this became increasingly difficult to cope with and eventually she was taken into hospital where she died.
Although I am not a full-time carer now I give support to a carer friend of mine and support someone who is mentally unwell. It is easier for me now as I can walk away when it gets too much, but the carer friend I support says she doesn’t know what she would do if we didn’t have our little chats from time to time. She says it’s better than a trained counsellor as I have experienced very much the same in the past and I understand her predicament.
Coping on your own as a carer is very difficult and I urge anybody who takes on the role of a carer to get as much help as possible, take breaks, get the local authority services involved and DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR OWN HEALTH and remember to make provision for your own pension (the benefits agencies should be able to advise you).
I do hope my story helps others to realise they are not alone and that other carers manage to find their particular support network that works for them. This website is a very good starting point and an opportunity for carers to link up with others in the same position as them.
Best Wishes for 2008 and good luck from me ......
Helpful Tip: "Don't struggle on alone: link up today and find friendship & support from another carer""