What is a carer?
Many people think of a person pushing a wheelchair when
they hear the word "carer" but the reality is something very
different.
When I ran the carers sessions at the "This is Your Life"
conferences arranged by the MS Society in the 1990's I regularly
heard the comment "yes, but I don't really do any caring
- my partner doesn't need much help".
The lay persons conception of a carer is someone who physically
helps someone with a disability but, in my experience, by far the
most destructive part of caring is the psychological although there
may well be a physical aspect to that care.
A carer is someone who cares - who worries - who finds it hard to
watch a loved one struggling - who slowly and reluctantly undertakes
a role reversal whilst maintaining the illusion that the PwMS is
in control. Someone who is there to help when help is needed.
With a condition like MS there will always be the fear of the
unknown as the condition can take many turns and may well be mild
and easy to deal with as the PwMS gets used to the symptoms but we
all know that it could also easily lead to something a great deal
more severe.
- If you are affected by concerns for a person with MS whoever they are - a family member, a friend or a work colleague?YOU ARE A CARER.
- If you are the person who takes responsibility for physically helping that person with every day tasks like bathing, dressing and mobility?YOU ARE the main CARER.
This does not preclude you also being a husband, wife, child, parent or friend of a person diagnosed with MS
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