Respite care: to rest or not to rest? That is the question; and the only answer!

by Wal Warmington

After decades of providing informal care, and over the last 3 years being an officially registered carer, l feel l’m at a critical stage of my life within my caring responsibilities. Through attending a local Headway Support Group and then registering with Birmingham Carers Hub, l have gained a useful and significant understanding of the ‘carer ecosystem’ and the myriad of support groups, activities, advice and guidance available to me in a local, regional and national level.

I have come to really value and learn much from hearing from fellow members of our Headway Support group where the varied practical and pragmatic responses to complex needs reflects carer’s in action who display determination, patience and courage, amidst being permanently challenged. Our discussions are sometimes coupled with anger, disappointment and bitterness about the systems that hinder progress and so affect the quality of care being given. However the group offers not just support but a sense of perspective, humour and practical ideas as we share and reflect on the caring relationships we are trying to manage.

From this network I recently had the opportunity to take part in a Carer’s Weekend Retreat two months ago and, looking back, can still identify a number of benefits that flowed out of that space. Being familiar with residential work from my professional work life, the prospect of this weekend was different in that this formal invitation gave me permission to take part. Amidst the blurred lines and busyness of caring for close loved ones it is often easy to feel guilty, or even selfish, about doing something for yourself.