Sam Shakes

Sam Shakes is 32 years old. She’s been caring for her uncle, who has schizophrenia, for the last three years. She doesn’t get much time for herself and when she does, Sam finds it hard to relax as she’s continually worrying what her Uncle might be doing if he’s alone.

Looking for a job
Sam’s caring role is just too demanding for her to hold down a full time job, but she’s hopeful something might come up. 'I’m hoping for some part-time work,' says Sam, 'but I need very flexible hours and an understanding employer. I’ll also need support from Social Services. I worry about the future and that I might become resentful should I not be able to explore my career.' This is not something Sam ever wants to happen as she gets a lot out of being carer. 'I think the most rewarding part is knowing that I’m helping to enhance my uncle’s quality of life.'

Being younger
Sam finds that being relatively young for a carer is a bit of a mixed bag. 'I think professionals are more sympathetic to younger carers. There seems to be an attitude that expects older people to be caring, because they’re “past” having a career. But I see many shared issues that affect young and older carers, such as the impact on our health and the anger and frustrations that all carers feel.'

Fears for the future
Sam does worry about her own future. 'It’s impossible for me to fund a private pension whilst I’m caring full time. Not only do I have a restricted life as a young adult but I may possibly have a reduced quality of life in later years due to having a small pension.' Unlike most people her age, Sam finds it hard to socialise and to find time to meet a partner. 'It’s difficult,' she says, 'not just because of the restrictions on my time but finding someone who will be understanding and sensitive to both my own and my uncle's needs.'

Longer term effects
Sam wants politicians to realise the impact caring can have. 'The government need to realise that caring is not just restrictive whilst the care is being delivered but is something that has longer term effects on many areas of a person’s life such as their education, career and health. Greater support is needed from government in terms of both finance and opportunities for carers.'