Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:52 am
Hello everyone,
First of all I can i just take this opportunity to say, that just from browsing through this website, I've found all your stories so inspiring. You are collectively the strongest group of people I think I've ever met, your determination to keep caring even when obstacles are thrown at you is remarkable, you're all truly amazing people.
I'm currently conducting research into my undergradute dissertation. It's a matter very close to my heart as I and three of my close family friends are family carers, one looks after a mentally ill mother full time whilst his dad works, another cares for his brother with severe Autism, and my best friend cares for her sister who has DS. I care for my aunt who is single and lives on her own, and is physically disabled. I know they've all had personal struggles and feel sometimes they have to limit their activities e.g. don't feel comfortable walking in certain parts of the community with the person they're caring for as they are verbally assaulted. Equally, due to not qualifying for different allowances, it means one of their family has to be a full time carer.
The reason I am posting, is to get an insight into the real everyday experiences of caring. Through my research, there is a lot of literature surrounding the discrimination experienced by disabled people, but there is a distinct lack of literature surrounding the discrimination experienced by carers. So if you feel you could express your views on the following questions I'd be everso grateful.
- Do you feel supported within your community, or excluded by them? In what way?
- Do you feel the appropriate short break services and respite care services are made clear and available to you?
- Do you feel financially supported by authorities, and feel all your options are made available to you?
Thank you for taking time to read my post, I really hope I can offer support on this site to as many people as possible.
Best wishes
-
First of all I can i just take this opportunity to say, that just from browsing through this website, I've found all your stories so inspiring. You are collectively the strongest group of people I think I've ever met, your determination to keep caring even when obstacles are thrown at you is remarkable, you're all truly amazing people.
I'm currently conducting research into my undergradute dissertation. It's a matter very close to my heart as I and three of my close family friends are family carers, one looks after a mentally ill mother full time whilst his dad works, another cares for his brother with severe Autism, and my best friend cares for her sister who has DS. I care for my aunt who is single and lives on her own, and is physically disabled. I know they've all had personal struggles and feel sometimes they have to limit their activities e.g. don't feel comfortable walking in certain parts of the community with the person they're caring for as they are verbally assaulted. Equally, due to not qualifying for different allowances, it means one of their family has to be a full time carer.
The reason I am posting, is to get an insight into the real everyday experiences of caring. Through my research, there is a lot of literature surrounding the discrimination experienced by disabled people, but there is a distinct lack of literature surrounding the discrimination experienced by carers. So if you feel you could express your views on the following questions I'd be everso grateful.
- Do you feel supported within your community, or excluded by them? In what way?
- Do you feel the appropriate short break services and respite care services are made clear and available to you?
- Do you feel financially supported by authorities, and feel all your options are made available to you?
Thank you for taking time to read my post, I really hope I can offer support on this site to as many people as possible.
Best wishes
-