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CARE CAMPAIGN FOR THE VULNERABLE SUPPORTS CARERS WEEK 2020

CARERS OFTEN TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT AND CARE FOR ELDERLY OR YOUNGER RELATIVES/FRIENDS AND NOT RECOGNISED FOR THE VERY IMPORTANT ROLE THEY DO'' CARE CAMPAIGN FOR THE VULNERABLE

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable would like to thank all our dedicated carers during Carers Week 2020. Family members with their own careers, families and many still care for older/younger family members for no monetary reward or recognition. Unpaid carers are often forgotten about but yet save the Government millions of pounds. Thousands of family carers are caring for loved ones at the end of their lives and they need better support. We receive messages telling of a lack of emotional support and financial help.

Research shows (Marie Curie) that end of life family carers have higher levels of anxiety, depression and general distress than other carers, and the general population. It’s estimated there are around 500,000 family carers across the UK, providing end of life care every year.

Carers to people with cancer or dementia give a median of nearly 70 hours of care per week in the patient’s last months. That’s without including the broader network of family and friends who may be involved in caring for someone. Studies normally focus on professional care, so there is not much data about the unseen care workforce. It’s difficult to know the equivalent cost of each hour of care that’s being given by families. So here at CCFTV, we would like this week and always to salute all our carers but not forgetting our unpaid, unsung heroes.

JUST A FEW OF THE HUNDREDS OF MESSAGES SENT TO US BY CARERS DURING CARERS WEEK 2020.

''I am the lucky parent to my son Sam. He is the light in my darkness even though he has epilepsy, severe scoliosis, autism and learning difficulties. I also help take care of my mum who lives with dementia. I love both my mum and son and that's why I love taking care of them.'' Jacquline Higgin

''I did care for years as a paid job but I had to give it up to care for my mum who has dementia. I miss it but at least I get to care for my mum before her dementia worsens'' Joan Brown

''Love my job as a carer for the past 23 years. I love being with the elderly and disabled. I love my clients and still love the ones I have sadly lost over the years. I have great memories of them all.'' Jeanette Maloney

''I work in community care. I have done this job for two years and I can honestly say its the best job I have ever had. Seeing the smiles on faces to those I care for is briliant. Yes it's hard work but I wouldn't change it and I can't wait to get back after my maternity leave. It's so rewarding'' Jennifer Louise Pendlebury