Peter cares for his wife Olive who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia five years ago
Peter was able to access support from Carers First when Olive was first diagnosed with early-onset dementia. This has proved invaluable as Olive’s condition has advanced. Olive now relies on Peter for her everyday needs such as dressing and washing. She has also become increasingly dependent on him, not wanting him to leave her sight.
This can prove stressful and frustrating at times. Carers First have helped Peter access funding for a sitting service to get a break. Peter has also found meeting other carers through Carers First groups a lifeline. The fact these groups have gone online during the pandemic has actually made them more accessible for Peter.
"I get four hours a week from my sitting service, so attending my carers groups on Zoom is much quicker than leaving the house and travelling to the meeting in person. Although I do miss the people who aren’t online."
Peter has made good friends through Carers First including Debbie:
"If it wasn’t for Carers First, I would not have met my dear friend Debbie". Debbie, was a carer for her mother who recently passed away. She helps Peter look after Olive through a ‘sitting service’ paid for by the Council. "She sits with Olive whilst I get jobs done, but she is also a very good friend to me. I can go to the pharmacy and pick up things from the shops."
When asked how Carers First has helped him, Peter responded.
"In the beginning, they helped me with things that I would never have known about. A saying springs to mind; You don’t know what you don’t know. Carers First know everything. They helped me access financial support of course, but they also helped me decide what I could do in an emergency – if the worst happened. I know now that Olive will be looked after, which gives me great peace of mind.
Now, later down the line, they help me in other ways. They tell me about things I should know – I get their newsletter which is very good. I go to their groups and I talk to other carers about lots of things. I think I’ve made about 20 new friends since lockdown. We share tips and advice. We all have a pretty good idea about what we all do and we support each other."
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.