Carers need more recognition

Published by Emma Lee-Potter in on Monday 8th June 2015

IMG_1917My lovely father-in-law died last month. He was 84, a man with a hugely successful career, a long and happy marriage and an unmatchable zest for life.

Sadly for us, he lived the other end of the country, although my husband devotedly made the seven-hour journey from Dorset to the wilds of North Yorkshire to see him every fortnight.

My father-in-law suffered a stroke seven years ago but was determined to stay in the house he loved, with its glorious garden and views across the hills. That he managed to do so is testimony to the team of live-in carers who looked after him so well – which is why I’m writing this blog.

This week is Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise the awareness of caring, highlight the challenges faced by carers and recognise the amazing contribution they make to families throughout the UK.

The carers who looked after my father-in-law were brilliant. Wimpy, Jenny, Denise and Angela were the stalwarts and cared for him beautifully, chatting about his life, cooking delicious meals, looking after him as he grew weaker and staying in touch with his family and friends.

Carers need far more acknowledgment for what they do. They care for the elderly, the disabled and the sick right round the clock and take on a daunting amount of responsibility.

Working as a carer is one of the toughest jobs by a long chalk, often lonely and isolated and always physically and mentally grueling. As Carers Week gets into its stride we should say a huge “thank you” to them.


2 comments so far

  • I’m a nurse on a stroke unit and have to agree wholeheartedly with you, Emma x

  • Thanks so much for your comment, Debbie. It means a lot, especially when you have first-hand experience of looking after stroke patients yourself. x

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