What is a Carer/Caregiver?

What is a Carer/Caregiver?

A carer (or caregiver) is anybody who helps someone else in their day-to-day life. They don’t have to be a relative. They can also be friends or neighbours that live somewhere else. It can mean just keeping a check on them or doing a lot more like helping them to wash and dress, or helping with eating and drinking.

It is estimated that carers save the economy £57 billion a year but many of them face poverty, isolation and have little recognition or status.

Multiple Sclerosis is unpredictable and symptoms can influence the amount of support needed. Pete’s called me his “lifeline” before now and him just saying that made me feel a bit uncomfortable because it told me without “me” there to support him, he would lose his lifeline. Please, no!!!

There are apparently over six million carers or caregivers in the United Kingdom alone caring for people with different disabilities and conditions. It has been estimated that 85,000 people suffer with MS. That really is an incredible amount on such a small island in the world. Most of these will probably need some sort of care from family or friends as well, even if it’s just an ear.

When I was first called a Carer (or Caregiver), it made me feel different to everybody else. I have this title put upon me because of what’s happened to my other half. Not because I chose to have the title.

Eat to Beat Multiple Sclerosis