The hardest parts of caring, and what actually helped.
Caring for someone you love brings worry, guilt, tiredness and moments you never saw coming. If that’s how it feels right now, you’re not alone, and those feelings are understandable. Below, I’ve shared what I found hardest, and what helped, in case it helps you too.
Choose the one closest to how things feel right now.
Mum said, ‘I’ll be fine, that won’t happen.’ The diagnosis hadn’t really landed.
Pulled three ways at once, I had to plan every week just to cope.
Setting up the LPA early was the best thing we did. It let me focus on them.
An understanding employer made the biggest difference. I know not everyone gets that.
When I was helping one parent, I felt I was letting the other down.
For three years I ran on adrenaline. It was a matter of having to.
I wish someone had told me it was OK to just sit in silence.
When it stopped, I felt relief and a void at the same time.
Caring can bring worry, guilt and fear, sometimes all in the same day. I felt that too. With each challenge, I’ve shared a little of my own experience and what helped me. Every family is different, so take what’s useful and leave what isn’t. By sharing what we learn, we can make the road a little easier for the families just starting out.
— Steve
Tell us about a challenge we haven’t covered, or something that made a hard day easier. Please don’t include names or medical details. Nothing is ever shared without your permission.
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The Care Compass®
