DO WE CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR US?

[The_Bro]

Hi everyone

The most recent time I was in a situation requiring medical care, I thought a lot about the excellent people looking after me.

The along comes Covid, which appears to have established a whole new set of pressures on many care professionals - from health workers, police, teachers and so on.

We hear daily about the pressures they face. These care groups now often have to demonstrate flexibility and resilience far beyond what they ever thought would be required of them when they choose their profession. Like Police manning Covid traffic check points, breaking up banned Covid parties, hospital staff doing double shifts and dealing with relatives who cannot talk with infected family, and now teachers who have to deal with parents and students about Covid prevention measures.

Its a real handful and difficult to solve, when you stop and think about it. Some of us have already required long term care or one type or another, we love our carers and highly value what they do for us.

I'm not sure if I am allowed to say this on our forum, but some carers are facing new pressures that are almost 'bullying' from patients.

Wouldn't a 'Care for the carers' campaign be a great idea! They are absolutely amazing people and have our interests front and centre!

What do you think forum community - do you think carers get the love and respect they deserve?

Do you have examples of amazing carers going the extra mile for you?

Thanks so much for reading - I look forward to your views.

The Bro

[geoff]

Hello The Bro, I wonder whether all the people administrating the COVID tests are on 'danger money', as their task to test so many people would be quite harrowing.

To answer your question, yes I definitely care for my son who is my carer and want to protect him before I protect myself.

He is due to have his second Pzifer injection at the end of next week before I have my second AstraZ, he nor I had any reaction from either, however, my ex had an adverse effect, where she felt sick, nauseated, headaches and felt terrible, the poor thing, I felt so sorry for her, it lasted a day.

It all depends on how the caree's situation is, whether or not they are fully knowledgeable and know exactly what's going on and if they feel for the carer.

Geoff.

[The_Bro]

Gidday Geoff

Thanks heaps for responding - I am impressed by your insightful attitude towards caring for you carer before you care for yourself.

Regarding your ex's adverse reaction to getting vaccinated, I had exactly the same thing. Cold sweats that night, lethargy and headache the next day then hot sweats that night. All good after that!

So as long as you and you carer think it through and plan ahead, vaccination is the way to go and MUCH less risky than the alternative.

Not sure at all why you require care, but with your amazing son providing care and your thought filled attitude to coping with your condition, you deserve all the very best for the future.

You are welcome to come back through the forum anytime at all.

Regards, The Bro

[Croix]

Dear The Bro~

I'm sorry you are in a situation to need care, it is a different way of life.

There are many different carer positions, from staff in nursing homes right though to Geoff's situation, one family member looking after another.

Even in busing nursing homes many staff and residents form strong bonds, yet they have long hours, poor pay and risk. Not appreciated by society or many employers.

They can be a mixed bunch. I had a friend for around 30 years who I visited at least once a week. My friend lived alone and was totally dependent on three shifts of carers (two per shift) every day. Some simply did not last, a week of unpleasant duties, having to travel between different locations to get a couple of hours low paid work in the locality, plus little training. I don't blame them for leaving in the least.

There were a surprisingly large number however who did stay on and gradually formed friendships with my friend (even though irascible and demanding). I'd often join them off-shift visiting and playing cards or dungeons and dragons or some other game, enjoying each other's company.

They saw past my friend's disability, and the onerous duties to see the person inside. Special people.

They undoubtedly deserve more recompense and recognition than they received.

I do believe there are carers' associations in each state fighting for carers' rights and there is proper training available too, though expensive.

I would agree, a carers' day and campaign would be a good thing to do

Croix

[Learn to Fly]

Hi The Bro,

Loved your post. So thoughtful. I couldn’t agree more with your comments. There are so many people these days risking so much only to help others. I take my hat off to all of them, without exception.

Few months ago my family and I were very lucky to escape a house fire. The firemen and the police were fantastic. People in our local community - absolutely amazing.
I cannot even start to imagine what could have become of us, if it wasn’t for all of them.

Will be eternally grateful.

[Elizabeth CP]

Last year while we were in lockdown in Melbourne someone in our neighbourhood put up a big sign on the lamppost outside their house thanking all the people helping with the pandemic. They then had a series of signs listing all the people helping. Underneath was a note asking people to add any extra signs for other groups of people who are helping. Streamers were added to make it stand out. Every time I went past it helped remind me to appreciate all those people busy trying to help our community during this difficult time.

The few times I've been stopped by the police I try to be as cooperative as I can be giving them the info they require. I them make sure I smile and thank them before driving off. I do the same when I'm tested or stopped for checking when accessing hospitals etc. I want them to know i appreciate them doing their job to make sure we are safe as a community to offset any negative experiences they have.

[The_Bro]

That's awesome stuff Elizabeth - thanks for the post!

It reminds me that 'Thanks' is the most neglected form of compensation!

Regards, The Bro

[The_Bro]

Hi Learn to Fly

Thanks heaps for your post - it seems this topic has created interest with quite a few people. Yes the merfency services do a great job and have to deal with lots of stress on the front line

Wouldn't it be great if Govt created a national 'Care for Carer' day!

Cheeers, The Bro

Bye for now, The Brpo