New to forum

[Caroline_1806123]

Hi everyone I am new how useful do people find this forum?

[jenny lucas]

Depends what you're after!

Alas, no one is offering magic wands to magic our carees 'better' so they don't need our care any longer.

But as well as 'support and solidarity' there is a wealth of hard-earned expertise, both in practical aspects of providing care to carees with a variety of care needs, and in things like the financial impact of caring.

To my mind, though, the most useful and helpful thing the forum does is show exhausted and put-upon and 'end-of-my-tether- carees that there lot is NOT 'inevitable' and that solutions, however imperfect and incomplete, do exist to 'lighten the load'.

All that said, yes, there are carers who are managing just fine, with a good quality of life for both themselves and their carees, so that is always heartening.

[susieq]

Hi everyone I am new how useful do people find this forum?

When I first came here I was caring for my Mum (Alzheimer's) and I was at the end of my tether - the forum saved my sanity by showing me that there were others in the same boat. Over the years I've made some goods friends - both in cyber space and in reality.

After Mum died I wanted to give something back to all those that supported, advised and helped me through the bad times so I signed up as a Volunteer Moderator back in 2011 and here I still am some 7 years later !

[bowlingbun]

There is a wealth of experience here. It's easiest if you introduce yourself, say who you are caring for, age, disability, and let us know if there is anything you struggle with.

[MrsAverage]

I too joined at a time of crisis and isolation. It was so good to know there were others in same situation and struggling too.
Since then my care situation has ebbed and flowed. I have a young adult with some kind of anxiety mental health issue, a 95 year old mum and 2 80 something's. The forum has been an invaluable source of information and support.
Many just join and read, but I like to give back and pass on what I have learned. It helps me feel worthwhile

Kr
MrsA

[Pet66]

I joined at a very low point. The immediate response was very welcoming and helpful.
Have you read different sections? You may find your answer.
If you do decide to continue, I hope you find the forum as supportive as I do.

[no1mum]

I was at rock bottom with my caring role at the time I joined, the help and advice I received from members was fantastic.