Gary’s Story – From Struggling Alone to Getting the Support We Both Needed
Caring for My Brother While Managing My Own Health
My name is Gary* and I care for my brother, Pete*, who has a learning disability.
I have quite a few health problems of my own. I’ve had surgery and now use crutches and take strong medication to manage my pain.
Despite this, I am the main person Pete relies on every day, he needs a lot of encouragement and support with everyday life.
When Things Became More Difficult
Pete’s health then started to deteriorate as he gradually began losing the use of his arms until everyday things became much harder for him. He struggled with taps, fastenings, getting dressed and other tasks he had previously been able to do.
Most concerningly, Pete could no longer wash or shower himself.
I was already managing my own health problems, and the additional care Pete needed was becoming increasingly difficult for me to provide.
We had approached Adult Social Care previously but had not received ongoing care and support. I felt frustrated and increasingly worried about how we were going to manage.
Walsall Carers Hub Got in Touch
Following a doctor’s appointment, my GP surgery referred me to Walsall Carers Hub.
The Hub contacted me to complete my registration, but the conversation became about much more than registering as a carer. They took the time to understand what life was actually like for me and Pete and what was putting the most pressure on us.
I had a Carer Wellbeing Check, which helped us look at my caring responsibilities, my own health and wellbeing, our financial situation and what additional support might make life easier.
For the first time in a while, it felt as though we could start looking at the different problems together rather than me trying to deal with everything on my own.
Finding Practical Help
Walsall Carers Hub helped us access support from several different services. They made referrals to the Community Nursing Team, Adult Social Care for a further assessment and for an Occupational Therapy assessment, looking at equipment and adaptations that could help Pete manage everyday activities around our home.
They also provided information about counselling, groups and daytime opportunities for Pete, as well as activities and support available to me as a carer.
Most importantly, Pete now has a care and support package in place, with care workers coming into our home to help him with his personal hygiene.
This has made an enormous difference. Pete gets the personal care he needs and some of the physical pressure has been taken away from me, which is particularly important because of my own health.
Help With Money We Didn’t Know We Were Entitled To
Money was another major worry.
I had previously been told that I did not need to pay Council Tax and then received a bill, leaving me with debt. I also had credit card debt and wasn’t sure what benefits or financial help we might be entitled to.
Walsall Carers Hub referred us to a benefits expert who could look properly at our circumstances.
The outcome was something we could never have expected.
Pete was awarded Severe Disability Premium, including £18,257 in backdated payments covering five years.
A further claim has also been made for me which, if successful, could result in an additional significant award.
It showed us just how easy it can be to miss out on financial support when you don’t know what you are entitled to or where to go for advice.
Having Something for Me Too
The Hub has also helped me find opportunities that are about my own wellbeing, not just my caring responsibilities.
I attend the Walk and Talk group, took part in the Arboretum Mini Festival and completed the Caring for Me, Caring for You course.
These opportunities have helped me get out, meet other people who understand what caring can be like and think about looking after myself as well as Pete.
Life Is Moving in a Better Direction
Our circumstances haven’t suddenly become easy. Pete still needs a lot of support and I still have my own health problems to manage alongside caring for him.
But we are no longer trying to manage everything without help.
Pete now has care workers supporting him with his personal care. We have been connected with health and social care services, received specialist benefits advice and discovered financial support we didn’t know Pete was entitled to.
I have also found opportunities to look after my own wellbeing and connect with other Carers.
My Message to Other Carers
I’m so glad that I registered as a carer with my GP surgery, they recognised the challenges I faced supporting my brother and made the referral to Walsall Carers Hub. If you are caring for someone, particularly if you have your own health problems or feel that everything is starting to become too much, you can refer yourself to Walsall Carers Hub.
You don’t need to know exactly what help you need before you get in touch.
Sometimes you need someone to listen to the whole situation and help you work out where to start.
For me and Pete, asking for support opened the door to practical help, financial support and a care package that is making everyday life more manageable for both of us.
*Gary and Pete’s names and photo are fictious as they wished to remain anonymous.
