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See Other People’s Stories
We understand that it can be very difficult for carers to arrange to take a break from their caring role. We understand that the wellbeing of the person for who you care is uppermost in your mind and only when their care is arranged, are you able to think and plan for your own break. We also appreciate that some people would like to take a break with the person they care for.
We hope that theses stories will inspire you to make the decision that you and the person you care for are ready for a break and give you help and information on how to achieve this break.
If you do have a break and would like to share your story with others on this site, please contact us admin@timeforcarers.info
Peter’s story
"My wife and I are family carers for our 22-year old son James, who has autism. It’s important for the whole family that we get regular breaks – James benefits from taking part in activities with other people at his ability levels (and probably enjoys having some time away from us!) and we get the chance to do things with our other two children without having to worry about James’ needs.
We probably would have felt guilty about taking breaks three or four years ago but now we feel guilty if we don’t get breaks. It’s only really become necessary over the last couple of years, and particularly over the last six months, as the things our younger children are able to do overtakes what James is capable of – which he finds frustrating and upsetting. And I think we probably hold him back – because we worry about his safety and about what he can do and can’t do, he wants to be much more adventurous and we worry. But on the breaks and activities he goes on each person is able to do as much or as little as they are comfortable with, and we know he is safe and being looked after.
We have to contribute towards the costs of the activities James attends – some, like Optua activities, are heavily subsidised while others, such as BreakAway Active holidays, we pay for completely. James’ gets some benefits, which we use towards these activities and breaks.
The welfare and benefits system isn’t simple, or fast: it would be fantastic if there was more support out there we could access but we’ll keep paying for James to go on breaks – as a family we would probably fall apart if the breaks stopped.
It’s great that there are lots of different types of breaks and activities out there and we’ll definitely be looking for more for James to attend.
To find out more about the services offered by organisations like Optua see Fact Sheet 22, Suffolk organisations that offer support to family carers."
David – My Story...
"I am a 30 year old son looking after my elderly mother, I am not sure that I qualify as a carer. My Mother is a very proud lady however she has sufferer from dementia for many years which is now rapidly deteriorating and affecting us both.
My mother is totally dependent upon me and I have not had a break for 10 years. I love my mother with all my heart but I cannot continue to provide and care for her without the help of others.
I would really like to find somewhere that my Mum can go and feel safe, I know she will think I am abandoning her but that is not what I am doing.
It would be good for her to mix with other ladies of her age and I can have the house to myself and test out my new wii which is still in the box I bought it in more than 6 months ago and chill out on the sofa."