Hi, I just want to introduce myself as I am new to the forum and Carers UK. My name is Wendy and I care for my husband Richard who has Parkinson’s which he has had for about 10 years now.
Hi Wendy, welcome to the forum.
There are other people here in a similar situation to you.
ow old is your husband?
Hi Wendy,
welcome to the forum, I hope you find it friendly and supportive.
I care for S, he is 27 and has autism and related learning difficulties.
Melly1
Thank you for your reply. My husband is 66. Wendy
Hi Melly1 I’ve never heard of a Dynavox before - I had to look it up on Google to find out what it is. My husband uses an app on his iPad as the Parkinson’s has robbed him of his speech. I love the picture you use on the forum, we are both very fond of cats and had one for a short while but Richard was afraid of tripping over her so we had to get rid of it. Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Are you getting any time off from caring, we all need regular “me” time. As a long term carer (my son was brain damaged at birth 40 years ago, and my life changed forever) I know how easy it is to concentrate on the needs of a loved one, but keeping well, mentally and physically, is so important. Where would our carees be if we got ill?!
Are you aware that your husband is probably exempt from Council Tax on the grounds of “severe mental impairment” if he has now lost his speech? This can be backdated to the day of diagnosis.
I manage to go out most days either on my own or with friends. I look forward to “me time” but at the same time feel guilty for doing so. Thanks for telling me about the council tax but I was already aware of it. Wendy
No need for any guilt, “me time” is important to your own well-being. I try and make sure I get some every day, I never feel the slightest bit of guilt about it.