Caring for a debilitated friend or relative can be draining work, but community connections can make the load much easier to bear, local carer Margaret Correy said.
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Mrs Correy met up with fellow carers at Crofters Cottage last Wednesday at a luncheon organised by Glen Innes Severn Council to mark Carers Week and to enable carers to share some support and camaraderie. She was not surprised by recent reports from the NSW Cancer Council of cancer carers being more distressed than the patients they care for, with research revealing 21 per cent of cancer carers are reporting symptoms of clinical anxiety, compared to only 10 per cent of patients.
Mrs Correy cares for husband Martin who is battling a recurring brain tumour. She said at least the physical exertion has been relieved somewhat now that the disease has progressed to the point that he’s bedridden and she can take advantage of lifting devices. Mr Correy needs constant care but Mrs Correy gets some regular relief through respite care provided by council’s Life Choices – Support Services, when someone takes over from her on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
She said carers have to be very organised, overseeing medication, preparing appropriate meals, ensuring the patient doesn’t become dehydrated. Her past experience working at Glenwood Gardens does help, but she said the job is like being a fulltime nurse and can be emotionally exhausting.
Both she and her husband have had to give up work and she said it’s been a huge lifestyle change, but it does have some advantages.
“I like being at home,” she said.
“You’ve got to make the most of the circumstances.”
The couple were living in the city when Mr Correy had his first bout with the disease in 2002, and Mrs Correy said she appreciates the greater sense of community connection she feels in Glen Innes as she nurses him through the current episode here.
“And carer lunches like this help, making connections and sharing experiences,” she said.
Carers who would like to find out more about respite care, carer support groups or other services for carers can contact Life Choices – Support Services on 6730 2500.
Council’s Children and Family Services also provide the My Time support group for people who care for a child with a disability. More information is available from Kristy Newberry on 6730 2210.