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The benefits of writing by Beverley Beck

For me, jotting thoughts down on a piece of paper or in a notebook and leaving these thoughts to marinate before returning to them to read, think about and edit is revealing, creative and positive. Whilst writing my mind is focused. This is relaxing and it helps. It is a stability in a difficult and challenging world. I love words, their sounds and rhythms, the way they hang together like a washing line of thought. The mind and memories are treasures even if they become jumbled. I hope you enjoy my poem beneath:

Listen to life
Hold hands
With the moment
Release memories
Stored deep
Dance in the woodland
Of your mind
Find your feet

Care means care, justice in care

A Devon carer has been campaigning for over nine years for an overhaul of the private care home system following his mother’s death which he feels could have been prevented.

The dedication shown by John Barass in his investigation into the care system is unquestionable. After making over 10,000 phone calls, sending over 200 letters and 4,000 emails to Prime Ministers, Politicians, Councillors, charities, organisations, celebrities, press and media, he continues his campaign on behalf of his late mother. To read more about his campaign visit https://healthwatchdevon.co.uk/care-means-care/

Top Tips for Carers at Christmas 

Christmas for carers takes a little more planning. However, some of these top tips should help to make the festivities run more smoothly. If you become stressed, the chances are that the person you are caring for will become stressed and vice versa. Similarly, if the atmosphere in the house is calm, relaxed and pleasant, the person you care for will have lower stress levels. Click here to read these top tips for a happier Christmas provided by our carers.

SC, 45, carer for her father, on being a member of the ‘sandwich generation’

Dad doesn’t live with us; however, I visit him 4 times a week plus daily calls to him. I cook meals for him, clean his house and do all his washing as well as support him through the bad days with his dementia. I am lucky that I have a very supportive husband as well as very understanding daughters, who never mind if I don’t make a netball match or swimming gala because of my caring role.

We all know that my dad will not be able to live at home alone for much longer, and as a family we are pulling together to get through the difficult times now. Here are a few things that I find helpful on a day to day basis:

• Make lists and keep a diary – I would be lost without either of these! There is so much to remember – dad’s medical appointments, the girls sporting and school commitments; once it’s written down I don’t need to worry.
• Accept offers of help – I have learnt how important it is to say “yes please”; to my daughter offering to wash the dishes, or a friend offering to drop in on dad to save me a trip.
• Take 15 minutes out of each day for yourself – I have just finished an online mindfulness course and am taking time out each day to lose myself in a book.
• Talk and communicate – be it with a friend over a quick cuppa or online to a fellow carer – it helps to talk with others; especially those who understand how difficult it can be at times when caring for a much loved family member.

James, 35, carer for his mum, on getting back to work whilst continuing to care.

Over the years there have been a number of services that have helped me as I’ve transitioned from being a full-time carer to a working carer. Before seeking full time work, I received Carers Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions, and whilst this was not a significant amount it did help me to manage financially during a difficult period. I also received short term support from Devon Carers which enabled me to spend time away from my caring role. This was critical in regards to being able to organise myself and look for/apply for work.

 Receiving employment advice from the Carers UK advice line helped me understand that I have rights as a carer, and that these rights are protected in the Care Act 2014. Carers UK encouraged me to find an employer that was empathetic and supportive of my caring role.

Being able to read and discuss issues with other carers on the forum was handy as, like many carers, I experienced guilt, frustration, and social isolation as a result of my caring role. Being able to discuss these issues, and hear other carers experiences, helped me to realise that these kinds of emotional impacts are common. Knowing that I was not alone in facing these issues made my caring role much easier to deal with.

Carer for Husband with life limiting condition

Have a good relationship with your GP- they are the person that supports you through the minefield of healthcare professionals that you will meet whilst caring for your loved one.

Be positive, – a life limiting condition doesn’t mean your loved one is going to pass away soon.  They could be with you for years, every challenge is hurdle make sure your mind set means you are going on to jump those hurdles for many years into the future.