Carers Support.

Where do I start with this one?

As a professional carer I always felt that the recognition was never there. The skills and care of each member took for granted . Being asked what I did for a living ;at times; got the ' conversation stopper treatment',  almost a   'you get paid to do it and it is just a job, low on the rankings.' How wrong!!

I always felt very proud of what I did and would send such an attitude a silent blessing.It is a position of great privilege and a 'job' which you have to want to do. My advice to anyone thinking it is an easy option to earn a couple of pounds would be ,don't do it!

Choice is something that we all have, however there are situations in our lives which make it quite difficult to decide. Never more so than for those caring for their own loved ones 24/7 365!!

 I have had a read of the forum at carers uk and have to say how heartbreaking, yet inspiring the comments are. All carers and all supporting each other.

It has given me a deeper insight into how they must feel,cope and manage their situations. One emotion I had not given much thought to, was the guilt a person was feeling for not being able to cope with the care and keeping a young family together...courageous to write about it and phenomenal, non patronising support given from others.

Carers uk is full of wonderful tips and guidance and well worth looking at.

Its good to know its there.

www.carersuk.org/

Where's you bin?!!!!!!

I'm stood there with a squeezed tea bag on the spoon, my other hand cupped underneath to catch any drips and my head poking round the door, 'Where's your bin Gertie?'  The reply.....'oh, i've bin to the day centre today!!!!!'

This captures it all for me. Visiting in the community over the years has always been such a pleasure. Yes there are tears and sadness but there is always someone who unexpectedly brings a warm glowing smile to my face.

I will never forget my first day as a carer. Waiting for the colleague I would shadow for a couple of weeks.I had been for the training and now this was it...the reality of it all.Was I cut out for this?

 I soon found out to my delight that yes I was.By the end of the day I felt proud to be part of a team of kind, genuine and sincere people.

Carers in any capacity (and in my opinion) are the silent angels of this world. They do what they do with no expectation of a thank you. When you do get a thank you, its hard to accept but you know those two words are speaking volumes.

One thing I always kept in mind with each new visit was that each person had a story to tell. Its easy to forget or not recognise that these gentlemen and ladies have been teenagers,courting couples, mothers and fathers they have been through it all.

And so, at the beginning of this blogs journey I would like to dedicate the following verse to all those I've had the pleasure to visit over the years.....


 THIS QUIET DUST

This quiet Dust was Gentlemen and Ladies

And Lads and Girls -
Was laughter and ability and Sighing
And Frocks and Curls -

This Passive Place a Summer’s nimble Mansion

Where Bloom and Bees
Fulfilled their Oriental Circuit
Then ceased, like these.

- Emily Dickinson.




http://astore.amazon.co.uk/carerscoffeep-21