Brief Encounter July 2013 - East Sussex County Council

July 2013 Brief EncounterLooking after Mum –a carer’s storyWe know that balancing caring responsibilities with home and workcommitments can be a real challenge.By giving you support and flexibility where needed, we can help you giveyour loved ones the necessary support while continuing to contribute at work.What our colleague told usFor Carers Week 2013, we hear from a colleaguewho has been looking after their mother who hasdementia.“I’ve been working for the Council since 2012. When Istarted my mother had already been diagnosed withvascular dementia and heart problems. I’m her maincarer and, together with help from a local homecareagency and support from family, Mum has been ableto remain in her own home where she wants to be.“Since January her condition has worsened a lot. She’sbeen admitted to hospital once, is becoming moreunstable on her feet, and now has heart failure as wellas further decreased capacity due to the dementia.This means I need more time to speak to doctors,nurses and other specialists, sort out medication andattend hospital appointments, which hasn’t been easy.“It can be hard being a carer from an emotional andphysical perspective. In previous jobs I haven’t foundit easy to be open about my caring role, but heremy manager and colleagues have been supportiveand also offered advice about services and supportavailable. Along with having the flexibility to adjustmy work during the week and to balance work andcaring roles, I feel supported and able to cope.”5