Good morning.
I’m Lesley, but I prefer to be called Liz(long story), married to Stuart, 4 grown up children. I’m a newbie here but not to caring. I’ve been caring for Stuart for the last 25/26 years. I also took on caring for my Dad and Mum when Cancer stopped them being able to do much for themselves. As a couple, and as a family, we’ve had some tough times, currently though, seems to be the toughest of times. Stuart was admitted to hospital on Christmas Eve and has been there ever since. He’s had major abdominal surgery (twice!), and has had countless setbacks. I’m going to have to l learn to deal with Stoma drain bags so that I can look after him when he finally gets home.
Well, I guess no one ever said life was meant to be an easy ride, merely that it was going to be interesting.
Wishing everyone a good day.
Hi Lesley, welcome to the forum.
Tough times indeed. Ask the hospital what support they will arrange for Stuart when he comes home.
He should be entitled to FREE 6 weeks “Reablement Care”.
Make sure you both know who will provide it, and when they will be coming. Don’t let them discharge him on a Friday, because it’s so difficult to get in touch with anyone at weekends!
Dear Lesley_2202123
Hi i am Kristie i am an online community host for Carers UK. I am sorry to hear that you are in a difficult position and i hope that other carers on the forum will be able to help you and you can get the information and advice that you need.
So welcome to the forum. You are not alone in your caring role and i am sure that many of here will understand exactly how you feel and will offer you support. Caring can be very lonely and the pandemic has made caring responsibilities challenging as many carers have been socially restricted and unable to attend social groups etc.
Carers UK are running two online weekly meet ups for carers and you can find the information on how to register at Care For A Cuppa:-Online meetups | Carers UK. Then the second online weekly meet up for carers is Share And Learn:-Share and Learn | Carers UK.
Our telephone number is 0808 808 7777 and the line is open from Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm and our email address is (advice@carersuk.org).
They provide information and guidance to unpaid carers. This covers-
-Benefits And Financial Support
-Your Rights As A Carer In The Workplace
-Carers Assessments And How To Get Support In Your Caring Role
-Services Available To Carers And The People You Care For
-How To Complain Effectively And Challenge Decisions.
Best Wishes
Kristie
Hi Liz! Welcome to the forum.
It’s amazing how large a variety of caring situations there are, but I think I’ve had most experience of meeting carers who’ve been at the grindstone for years, or who are just about to start a long haul as parent carers. And the thing is that it never, ever, gets easier. There’s always something else.
I’ve had to my fair share of personal care over the years, but I have to admit that I’ve no personal experience of giving Stoma care. For obvious reasons, I’m not sorry that I’ve missed it. Or, rather, I haven’t missed it at all. Not a bit.
Anyway, welcome to the forum and please do chat with us in the Members’ section. It can be fun, too!