Christina always loved travelling and going on days out with her husband, Barrie. Now, even a trip to the shops is challenging. Barrie can get confused and anxious about where they are going. He can be overwhelmed and upset by too many people.
This is because three years ago, Barrie was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This is one of the most common types of dementia. One of the symptoms is problems with understanding, thinking and judgment.
As Barrie’s condition has declined, Christina’s caring role has increased.
She says, “I have to do so much more for him now. It’s tiring and frustrating for the both of us. We have no family nearby so there’s no option for me to offload some of the responsibility.”
You may relate to Christina’s experience when she says,
A lot of the time, carers are not trained to look after others. We’ve found ourselves in this difficult situation and we’re left to figure it out alone. In general, carers need training and education courses to help us cope. Instead of being relied upon to be independent and resilient. Carers need to be cared for too.
With your help, we can make sure more carers like Christina feel less alone
Carers First Friends are people who want to help carers be cared for. Your support helps us increase the support we can offer to carers tailored to their caring situation. This includes new courses, groups and wellbeing trips and activities.
How your contribution will help
Per month
Could help us set up new condition-specific support groups. Helping carers feel less alone.
Per month
Could help fund wellbeing trips and activities. Helping carers get a break from caring.
Per month
Could help us create new courses such as Caring for someone with Dementia. Helping carers feel more confident in their caring situation and meet carers in a similar situation.
Thank you
As a thank you, we will send you your own Carers First Friend pin badge and bi-annual updates on the difference you’re making.
You may be a carer yourself. Becoming a Carers First Friend is a way to support others in your community. Or you may simply want to see those whose lives have been turned upside down by caring receive support.
Become a Carers First Friend today and help us offer support to more carers like Christina.
Your support does make a difference to carers like Christina
Carers First has shown me you’re not alone. They’ve helped refresh my skills. Give me lots of helpful advice. And introduced me to other carers to share tips and tricks. They’ve also helped me get back into yoga – over Zoom - which is something I’ve really missed doing. I feel more independent and resilient thanks to Carers First.