Glad to care
For any job throughout my life, I have always been asked what qualification and experience I have. Yet, becoming a carer there is nothing; you do not know if you are doing the right things for the person you care for. You find yourself suddenly having to negotiate a system that no-one really appears to understand, and help is limited. You try to do the best you can, but always worry that maybe your best is not good enough.
Your role in society changes from wife to carer, mother to carer and so on. You question, do I really want to be labelled in this way and how long will it be for, but you plod on regardless.
Becoming a carer you become visible and invisible at the same time – to healthcare professionals, family, and friends. You may stop many of the things you once found meaningful.
But for me, I try to remember why I am supporting my cared for person and this has to be LOVE. So yes, I am glad to care.
Carers Smart Search
If you are new to caring, or just want to find out more information, Carers Support West Sussex has created this simple tool for carers to help find the information relevant to you and your caring role.
Carers finding it difficult to access medical appointments
From the many surveys, polls and reports we do one recent recurring theme has been identified. This is that carers are finding it difficult to access medical appointments due to: how long they have someone to support their cared for person, appointments not being flexible enough, and time constraints.
At Healthwatch West Sussex, we would very much like to know from carers if these issues are widespread or just affect a few carers. Please support us by answering our short poll.
Extended date for completion: Friday 27th September
