A special group of people who quietly go about their work, unpaid, without fuss and with devotion were celebrated at the Hospice of St Francis as part of the UK Carers Week 2009 activities.
On Friday 12th June, in glorious sunshine, the gardens of the Hospice were filled with carers from all over the Community enjoying an afternoon of pampering and relaxation. The treats on offer included cream teas, massages, a jazz band and Tai Chi lessons from local group,
Tring Martial Arts. Organiser Polly Traxler, Hospice Social Worker, was thrilled with the success of the afternoon and many carers were asking if it could be a regular event.
To highlight the work of carers across the UK, the Hospice of St Francis, in line with UK Carers Week used the theme of the ‘Secret Service’ to highlight those‘hidden carers’ who might not think of themselves in these terms.
The Hospice understands the crucial role that family carers play in giving support and care to patients. If their contribution were to be paid, it would easily exceed government finances for health care.
The demands of day-to-day caring can present ups and downs. It might, for example, be difficult to invite people into your home or get out to visit friends and family. Both the carer and the person being cared for might feel frustrated with a sense of loss of control over their lives.
Kimberley Mclaughlin, Director of Supportive care at the Hospice explains: "Feelings of guilt are common, one carer told me“I just don’t feel I’m doing enough. I can’t bear to see her in pain. I’m not even much of a cook and often feel so inadequate.”
"Communication can often be the key to helping cope with such feelings and at the Hospice of St Francis we aim to facilitate conversations with the family. Everyone is different and will be faced with unique circumstances but when carers get together they often find that they share many of the same feelings. Talking to other carers and discovering that you are experiencing similar challenges can be reassuring and comforting."
The theme of this year’s Carers Week hopes to give greater recognition to carers carrying out this 'secret service'. Please click here to see some of their stories.
For more information about how the Hospice of St Francis can help or how you can join a carers group call 01442 869500.