Throughout my Aunt’s illness we encountered a sincere attitude which made talking to St Ann’s staff special as they really seem to care.Family of a patient

All quotations are used with permission.

When someone who you are caring for is living with a life-limiting illness it is not uncommon for you, the carer, to experience the same or similar levels of distress as the person you are caring for.

The emotion of caring can at times be very complex. You may experience thoughts, feelings and emotions which you find difficult to understand or manage.

The following are common examples of individual experiences, although it must be said you may not experience all of these or you may slip in and out of these at different times:

Guilt – At not being able to do all you think you ought or want to do.
Thinking ahead when this is all over I will …….

Fear – That you may not be able to manage this caring role for much longer.
What is the future going to look like?

Anger – What have we done to deserve this?
Why has this happened to us?

Resentment – Feeling that your life is on hold.
What have I done to deserve this?

Depression – I can’t think straight.
Everything is so difficult.

Anxiety – How long will this go on for?
How long can I carry on?
What if anything happens to me?

Tiredness/exhaustion – Always balancing roles.
Never ending physical and emotional pressure

Whatever our previous experiences in life any of these experiences can be difficult to deal with especially if you are trying to deal with them on your own and manage being a carer alongside every day issues. It is also known that those of us who are elderly do not have access to services and support as readily as younger people.

With the right support, information and understanding you will be more equipped to more confidently manage the ups and downs of the caring role.