On Wednesday 12^th June I travelled to London to attend an event organised by the Carers Trust in support from Age UK.

I was invited to Parliament by Age UK alongside 2 gentlemen carers from the Greater London areas, Costas and Arvind.   We had the opportunity to speak to MPs regarding social care, the care system, and how it affects carers and their families.

Each one of us had at times a sorry story to tell, Costas and Arvind explained the toll and adversity they had both faced.  Costas (86 ) caring for 2 sons and Arvind caring for his wife, the impact it had on our own health and wellbeing, and none of it down to the actual act of caring for our loved ones, but down to the broken systems.

Both were inspirational in their commitment to their own caring roll alongside their passion towards the need for change within the system.

My own experience caring for my mum at times was challenging, not because of mums needs but because of services that time and time again would let you down.

The NHS, care companies, finance departments, social workers, the system as it stands doesn’t work.

The general consensus between the 3 of us and the discussions we had with MPs were all aimed at conformity, consistency and a service that was fit for purpose, one that would meet everyone’s needs.

Personally, I would love to see a nationalisation of care practices, standardised training across the country for carers and care companies. Every local authority working within the same remit and using the same systems, why should it be a postcode lottery?

Responsibility and Culpability are vital when things don’t work.

The one thing that kept me sane through the years looking after mum was the support I received from Age UK Salford, Empowered Carers, Empowered Connectors and the wider team.

Empowered Connectors offers a group dedicated to supporting and introducing carers to other carers where shared experiences were invaluable.  Empowered Carers offered 1-1 support where we could often just chat and offload about the day-to-day challenges.

This service however isn’t available to all areas, again shows the disparity of support available.

Change must happen.   I have no regrets ever for looking after my mum, I just wish that services could have been better for her which would have eradicated some of the unnecessary things she had to endure.

Many carers are unpaid, they have to give up work to care for their loved ones, loose pension contributions, these are all factors not really considered by the government.

To know how bad it can be at times you have to walk a mile in a carer’s shoes.

Caring for mum was hard but incredible and rewarding.  I would do it again in a heartbeat but by banging the drum, perhaps it’ll make it a little easier for the next generation!

Justine – Empowered Connector