Carers, Support, DWP & HSCP

 Hi guys it's so long since I blogged but I'm drawn here in times of stress so here we are again!

I'm still caring for my husband Coo (he has poorly controlled Epilepsy, multiple seizures every day), it's a struggle but we get there!

Usually I keep pretty upbeat. I'm just so used to keeping all those plates spinning all of the time and dodging in between the many moments of crisis! I guess most Carers live this precarious lifestyle, in the end we kinda don't have much choice!
Amongst the usual meds, appointments and health issues we've had DWP knocking at our door with the dreaded migration across to Universal Credit. 

How stressful has this been? Wow - we knew it was never going to be easy but WOW! It's been a total roller-coaster. Stress levels are through the roof, Coos seizure activity has escalated and things have been just awful. Coping with 8 or 10 seizures a day isn't easy but upwards of 15 and todays 20 is just so much harder! We're coping but the stress levels need to even out and please God this process is completed soon! 

The one ray of  sunshine is Donna, the worker from North Ayrshire Money Matters team, who has been supporting us. She has been a wee diamond and has helped us navigate this latest hurdle with kindness and patience. Thank goodness we had some help! I really feel for people who are struggling with this process alone and if that's you, please seek some help!

It's when things are difficult we truly need to dig deep and just keep on going but when help is at hand it just removes some of that pressure and makes it all so much easier. We are blessed with some great support. Carers Gateway have provided a much needed diversion with some timeout and respite days over the last few stressful weeks and our HSCP (Health & Social Care Partnership) have continued to provide an SDS (Self directed support) care package which supports us both and just enables caring at home to continue. Without this support it would not be sustainable anymore. If you're in this position (I was for many years), please reach out! I did, eventually and it's made all the difference for us both!

Stay strong as will I, surely more settled times are coming!

((hugs))

Maz