I am so pleased to be formally a part of the Carer’s Foundation.
I was a carer for several years back in the 80’s. Back then there was no term ‘carer’ as such. You just ‘looked after’ someone who couldn’t. In my case it was my husband, who was less than impressed at being in a position of dependence and infirmity. I took it upon myself to downplay the true gravity of the situation to help him maintain his dignity.
Then, there was no such term or even concept of ‘self care’. I can remember being very frustrated and I now know extremely resentful that during his incapacitated stage and then recuperation that no one thought to ask me how I was. The toll that it takes on a carer on a 24/7 basis is extremely debilitating. At the beginning you have lots of people with offers of help but as time goes by there is no support as the situation ‘just is what it is’.
I felt isolated, abandoned and extremely lonely. There was no help except for my Mother who did her best.Taking any time out for myself was simply not an option due to time and money constraints. I found the concept of Self Care several years later and adopted it as a life-line. I now teach and speak on this topic which is so important for everyone, not just carers.
What Ronnie and the Carer’s Foundation offer is support, empathy and being part of a community. The Carer’s have group sessions where they get to be seen and heard and learn tools to be able to cope with their individual situations.
This education is priceless and life changing. I am so proud to be a part of this selfless organisation.