This week is national Carers’ Week and the theme is ‘Making Carers Visible’.
Did you know there is an estimated 6.5m people in the UK who care for a family or friend with a disability, mental or physical illness. All while being classed as being ‘unpaid’.
Yes some may receive carers allowance at less than a £1 an hour, then others do not meet the criteria, then you also have the millions of child carers who also won’t qualify. So yes it’s about time that light was shining very brightly to make carers visible.
Thank you
If your a regular reader you will of already heard me talk about my husband though out my blog sometimes the funny situation we get into then other times about how my life would be very different if I didn’t have him at home, my husband has been a key factor in me being able to stay in my own home and keep my Independence, I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy a muscle wasting condition. I’m more than a full time job I’m a 24 hour job which I don’t think people actually realise, I can’t dress, wash, toilet and feed myself with out help. His job certainly doesn’t just end when he puts me to bed either even then I still need help.
Carers save the economy £132 billion per year thats an average of £19,336 per carer that’s a pretty decent wage yes – Well cares allowance pays £3484 a year.
Caring for a loved one is never going to be an easy job especially as it’s a 24-hour, seven days a week 365 days a year job. That certainly comes with its ups and downs. As a carer for someone you love at home you’re sacrificing your own life for someone you love to keep them safe, you can’t just pop out or be spontaneous It’s not that easy.
The government give carers on cares allowance £67 a week to do a full-time job Coronavirus has put a spotlight on how much the system needs to be changed and how it needs to be better funded. It’s a job that affects not just your mental health but physical health as well because it is 24/7 care. I love my husband as he loves me hence why he is my full-time carer but there needs to be more support for carers everywhere.’
Fun fact – I was a child care for my mum growing up as she also has muscular dystrophy.
I love you
So thank you to my husband Nicky who I know will read this at some point he’s only 3 blogs behind! I love you your my world, my free entertainment, my rock, my biggest cheerleader and I would lost without you even if I want to run you over daily thank you for stepping up 13 years ago to care for me 2 years into our relationship.
Extra thank you
I would also like to thank my two PA’s having both of you has taken a little of that pressure of my husband it may only be eight hours a day five days a week but we would be lost without you both so that you.
Kerry 💋
Are you at home Carer what are your experiences or is your partner, parents or friend your cares feel free to share your story with me and everyone else by leaving a comment.
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Kerry Thompson - My Life, Kerry's Way. 