Carers Stories... |
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‘Simply
the break…’
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Although many of the Carers and ‘cared for’ individuals who benefit from Crossroads’ are facing extremely complex situations, the service itself is straightforward. Trained care staff take over caring responsibilities for a few hours within the home, giving Carers the freedom to have a relaxing break - confident in the knowledge that care continues in their absence. Carers take advantage of this break in a variety of ways. Some go for a walk, take part in a leisure, educational or social activity, work or shop. For many others it is their only opportunity to catch up on sleep. | |||
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Bill and Aida |
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Bill and his wife Aida have been receiving support from Crossroads (South Ayrshire) for just over 4 years. When Bill first lost his sight, Aida provided all of her husband’s care - not knowing that help was available. They were able to manage until Aida broke her arm. The couple were referred to Crossroads and Jessica, Care Attendant, has been visiting on a regular basis ever since. | |||
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Bill likes nothing better than to have a long walk with Jessica acting as his eyes, describing the colours and surroundings. Aida meanwhile takes the opportunity to shop, meet friends and “……have a good gossip”. Both Bill and Aida are full of pries for Jessica, As Aida Said “…….Jessica gives me the confidence to go and enjoy my afternoon and not worry, it takes special skill to work with a blind person…….she is very good at what she does.” |
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Jessie and her Aunt Jessie |
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Carers
often have to accept major personal sacrifice in order to look after
a family member - none more so than Jessie Gordon. Jessie gave up full
time employment to provide 24 hour care to her Aunt who is elderly and
frail. Aunt Jessie’s condition is such that her niece has to attend
to her 4 or 5 times each night.
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Support
is provided 3 days and 1 overnight each week by Katie who is employed
by Crossroads (Glasgow South). Jessie has great confidence in Katie,
who says “…..sometimes as soon as Katie walks in I can just
walk out and not worry.” Other times Jessie takes a bath knowing
that her Aunt is in good hands and is not going to fall over while left
unattended.
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Margaret, Valerie and Maureen |
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Margaret
has suffered a severe stroke and requires 24 hour care. Like many families,
care is shared between Margaret’s children but largely falls to
daughters, Valerie and Maureen. The support required involves Valerie
getting to her mother’s house for 8.00a.m. to relieve whichever
member of the family has been attending overnight.
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Crossroads
provide support which fills the gaps - during the mornings, afternoons
and some evenings. This allows Valerie to take care of her own housework
and enjoy some leisure time. She has even been able to join a carers
group where she can share her experiences with others in similar situations.
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