I get out and about working whenever I can, in my p/t job as a social policy researcher: and its always a pleasure to meet other carers who seem to be in control of their lives. Today I met an energetic, bright-eyed and very busy lady in her early sixties, who is earning an absolutely brilliant salary as a sales executive and who flies off all around the UK most weeks. Yet her husband has suffered from early onset dementia for at least seven or eight years and is completely dependent. By now most people her age have thrown in the cards, taken their pension and quit employment. But her period home is large and tastefully decorated in contemporary style with solid wood floors and stylish modern furniture, bright with sunshine and full of family photos. So - intrigued - I asked her how she managed to juggle her work with caring:
She said: " I get back-up from a charity who provide me with 15 hours a week support, paid for by direct payments. That isn't enough of course, so I also employ a care worker privately. My daughter - who also has a job, is seperated from her partner and has moved in, and she gives me a lot of help too especially when I am staying away for work reasons. I don't go on holiday, and I don't use overnight respite, my husband is too young and would not want to be in with older folks".
During the course of our conversation, she also juggled a couple of phone calls and managed to pack her grandson and his dad off to the park to play - superb multitasking... and she also even offered me a cup of tea.
I'm in total awe, if there is such a thing as a "Super-Carer" I think I just met her!
Can work be combined with caring? I think the answer is an emphatic yes, but it helps a lot if you have a family who back you up, can command a decent salary, enjoy decent health and have marketable skills. No two carers are alike, but we are all carers. Benefits arent, and probably will never be, the answer to all our prayers.
She said: " I get back-up from a charity who provide me with 15 hours a week support, paid for by direct payments. That isn't enough of course, so I also employ a care worker privately. My daughter - who also has a job, is seperated from her partner and has moved in, and she gives me a lot of help too especially when I am staying away for work reasons. I don't go on holiday, and I don't use overnight respite, my husband is too young and would not want to be in with older folks".
During the course of our conversation, she also juggled a couple of phone calls and managed to pack her grandson and his dad off to the park to play - superb multitasking... and she also even offered me a cup of tea.
I'm in total awe, if there is such a thing as a "Super-Carer" I think I just met her!
Can work be combined with caring? I think the answer is an emphatic yes, but it helps a lot if you have a family who back you up, can command a decent salary, enjoy decent health and have marketable skills. No two carers are alike, but we are all carers. Benefits arent, and probably will never be, the answer to all our prayers.