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Carer Watch.com / Testimonies / Older Carers / The elderly carers cared for too

Name	Your Story
Norman	# Posted: 13 Feb 2008 15:10 Reply I am 70 years old and had 4 heart by passes,numerous by passes on legs.Scarring is so bad they cannot be operated on again.Also have asbestosis which is really starting to affect me now.I still care for my 46 year old son at home who is both physically and mentally disabled. I love my son,promised his mum I would take care of him but who cares for me???
Chug	# Posted: 13 Feb 2008 17:25 Reply That's the question my old mate. Who cares for the elderly carer ? The answer is that as long as they think that you can hang on in there, you will not get substantial help. What kind of campaign to improve the lot of the elderly carer should we start ?
Norman	# Posted: 13 Feb 2008 18:04 Reply Thank you for your reply Chug. I think if a family is known within the system that once a carer reaches retirement age, especially those with ill health, that Social Services should do regular checks.I now have the added worry of inspecting various residential homes for my son for when I am not here.Our love is taken for granted by all and sundry.
Dugsie	# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 06:06 Reply I think that we need a much more rigourous assessment system for elderly carers and not just by social workers, but by qualified medical staff too . 1. What are the needs of the caree ? Can these be met by a care in the community approach ? 2. Can the carer meet these needs ? Do they have the necessary capacity and skills to do so ? 3. What are the needs of the carer ? What degree of incapacity of their own do they have ? Can the needs of the carer be met whilst they are caring for a close family member ? 4. I do not believe that any professional or voluntary organisation has yet began to take this situation seriously. How can we best campaign to meet the needs of elderly carers ? All proposals are welcome here. Please remember that we are all engaged in caring for others, so our time and energy are limited, but let's get something going for elderly carers now !

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