Carers Week - a problem shared is a problem halved

22 June 2012

This week, Carers Week is highlighting just how carers' health can be affected by caring.

It's easy when you are a carer to overlook your own needs. But there is help and support available at Parkinson's UK.

Emotional support and practical help

Talking to other people in a similar situation can help. You can connect with and chat to other carers on our forum and on our Facebook page.

Many carers are members of our local groups and attend meetings and activities, either with the person they care for or on their own. Our groups and local teams also help organise events throughout the year specifically for carers of people with Parkinson's.

Our information and support workers provide emotional support and practical help for people with Parkinson's, their carers and families.

We have lots of resources too including a dedicated guide for carers.

Our helpline is free and confidential (0808 800 0303) and can offer emotional support. Our trained advisors can also answer many of the questions that arise when supporting someone with Parkinson's.

Hazel's story

Hazel is a carer for her husband who has Parkinson's and Parkinson's dementia.

Hazel is on the committee for the Lewisham Branch and came to speak out for carers at the Carers Week event this week in the House of Lords.

She said: "There are times where I have been at the lowest ebb possible, angry and overwhelmed at what the future holds.

"We don't have children, so the responsibility of supporting my husband rests with me. It's the friendship and support of the group that has pulled me through these dark times.

"If you can get out to your local group or branch - and I know that's not easy for many carers - I would thoroughly recommend it."

Vivian's view

Vivian is a volunteer who helps us run a welcoming online forum. Vivian cared for her husband for 28 years and while he is now in a nursing home, she continues to be greatly involved in his care. Vivian explained:

"I was delighted to join the forum as part of a 'welcome committee'. Not everyone can get out to a group and not everyone feels comfortable speaking on the phone, especially if you worry that your partner or loved one may hear you and get upset.

"For me the forum offers a way that carers who can get online can express themselves freely, just as the forum offers this to people with Parkinson's.

"There are difficult issues to deal with about the way your relationship changes and the future and its so important to share this with people who understand what you are going through."

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