I guess I kinda fell off the radar a bit when my mum died, I kept going throught the motions caring for Coo and picking up the support for my dad too and I guess, something had to give!
I don't think I really dealt with my grief, well how do you, where do you even begin? especially whist caring for someone else already and taking on even more caring responsiblities!
Carer Health
I suppose it's just taken some time to regroup but I'm doing ok!
My own health took a bit of a tumble with everything that's happened.
My Rheumatiod issues have continued and I'm swallowing pills daily (more than Coo - which I never even thought possible!) and jabbing a Metoject pen every week - but I think I'm coming back up at last!Self Directed Support
Our SDS has enabled me to have much needed support, timeout to grieve and just enable me to find my way again and keep going and for that I'm eternally thankful. I wish it were so for all carers but sadly, it still seems a bit of a post code lottery where SDS is concerned but I'm still hopeful this will change moving forwards!
Carer Challenges
Even during this difficult time, I've needed to stay involved with Carers Scotland and my local Health & Social Care Partnership I like to make sure #carers voices are heard and wherever possible I do! lol
I'm so heartened Scotland's shiney new Social Security is shaping up to be a more caring agency than the one we have prevously endured with DWP (Department of Work and Pensions).
I have never agreed the best way forward was Austerity, sigma and fear and with a strap line of Dignity, Fairness and Respect, this has to be a major improvement and that being said, I've been interviewed for The National newspaper, on the new Carers Allowance Supplement coming to those carers in Scotland who currently receiving Carers Allowance. Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction, there remains so much to still be done - Carers work...and they work really hard, with very little support with the main 3 H's...Help - Health - Holidays!
Let's start making them a priority for all our Carers!
Keep strong as will I
((hugs))
Maz x
