The CAPE Section: Raising Awareness.
Dispelling the myth that Carers are Superhuman. Care, be Aware, Prepare & Engage (CAPE).
Together, we can raise awareness of the struggles Caregivers face today and the impact the ‘burning platform’ of Care is having on ALL of us.
Context: As the population ages, a whole new generation is added to our lifespan - an ageing population, a ‘5 generation’ workplace’/economy & a ‘Sandwich generation’ that is burning out. (see Interview Chris Hayes Podcast with Ai-jen Poo Exec Director of Caring Across Generations in the US).
The Problem: There is an increased need for care that has outpaced the change in policies and infrastructure. There is a hidden crisis as caregivers struggle to do everything themselves; long battles with bureaucracy and difficult access to care support exhaust whatever energy remains after working. Compounded by the fact that everyone’s trying to make ends meet financially. So, conversations are ‘put off’, and denial and discomfort simmer until a medical crisis occurs.
How do we improve the situation and match the needs of the growing, ageing population? How do we care for our loved ones today, and who’ll look after us later? There is a collective social need for change.
The Idea: We can start by changing the narrative around care and caregiving - let’s start having more discussions within our families and with others and creating solutions in our communities. Whilst I hope we can advocate for changes in policy and with governments, I’ve seen the most powerful, effective solutions being made between 2 or 3 people sharing daily tasks and errands. E.g. shopping, medication, and driving to medical appointments.
We can make a difference: one cup of tea/coffee, one errand, one conversation at a time. Define Your care team. Build your Caring Community.
Please note: I author this website because I have a fire and a conviction to advocate for those caregivers who cannot advocate for themselves. It is fuelled by my experience but I am acutely aware that MANY carers do not feel they have a choice in their caregiving role. Please remember my story is not representative of everyone. I hope that by sharing other people’s experiences or by publishing collaborative pieces, I can diversify the Carer Mentor voice. Everyone’s story is unique but many themes are universal.
Disclaimer: I am not employed or paid by any charity, or non-profit organisation. I reference and use their data with their permission. All commentary, opinions and use of their research and surveys are positions and statements by myself, Carer Mentor, VLChin Ltd.
The Table of Contents:
Carer Mentor Website Publications
Other Publications and Authors (recommended or noted in articles)
Carer Mentor Website Publications
Look out for ‘Recommendation, Commentary, Checkpoint, Carers UK’ to increase your awareness of Caregiving.
Love and Caregiving go Hand in Hand Emily Kenway Interview on Amanpour and Company June 5 2023.
Recommendation: Emily Kenway's 'Who Cares: The hidden crisis of caregiving and how we solve it' October 24 2023.
Commentary: 'Burning' There was no holiday for many Carers. January 11 2024.
Recommendation: Chris Hayes Podcast (MSNBC) with Ai-jen Poo Executive Director of Caring Across Generations in the US and President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. January 21 2024.
Checkpoint: 'Are you a Carer?' Many people don't consider themselves to be a Carer until a Crisis happens. Here are some useful UK definitions, facts, figures, and signposting to support you. November 11 2023.
Commentary: 'Spinning plates, sandwiched and or mystified?'A letter to friend when her parents health is in the decline. Personal opinion that I would give a friend. (At end of 2023. Subject to updates in Health and Social Care, and Benefits) December 3rd 2023.
Best Read after Spinning Plates Carers UK: 'Planning Ahead, helping a loved one' Animation 'Managing someone else's affairs.' December 6 2024.
Best read after Spinning plates Commentary: 'Care in the UK. 10 Facts Which Shock' December 4th 2023.
‘International Women’s Day’ March 8 2024
‘Chancellor’s Spring Budget falls short of supporting millions of unpaid carers’. Carers UK Press releases: 06 March 2024
Carers UK: International Women's Day ‘10 Facts about women who are unpaid carers’ March 8 2024
US & UK governments differ in their support of carers. March 6 & 7th 2024. Carers UK & Caring Across Generations respond.
‘An Introduction to Caring Democracy’, by Prof. Joan C Tronto Access Minnesota's Jim Dubois' Interview (July 15, 2014).
April 1, 2024 - 2025 UK Carers Allowance. It’s no joke.
New Rights - The Carers Leave Act. April 6 2024 Carers UK and Government website information.
UK Specific Data with General Commentary.
Commentary: 'Nearly half of working age carers lose £12,000 of income per year because they provide care'. 15 January 2024
Commentary: 'Carers Rights Day 2023' November 23 2023.
Commentary: 'Thanks-no-giving for Carers Rights Day, 23rd November'
Commentary: 'More Pressure on 46-65 year olds?' November 16 2023.
Commentary: 'What can we do when there are increasing Care needs (UK), but no government long-term thinking and scaled-back social care reform?' November 13 2023
Commentary: 'Did you know Carers Allowance is less than the minimum wage?' IF Carers work (Max. £139 per week), even this added to the Carer’s Allowance still leaves them dismally below the national living wage (£6.16/hour versus £10.42/hour) November 12 2023
Commentary: 'Carers UK State of Caring - Health Report 2023.'Being a Caregiver impacts our health and wellbeing. Connecting, sharing and supporting other Carers helps you realise you're not alone. November 5 2023.
Commentary: State of Caring - The impact of caring on (Finances)Carers UK Report October 17, 2023
Disclaimer: The information shared here is in the public domain and is presented as a personal opinion. I'm not employed or paid by any charity or Carer organisation. Please note there is specific guidance for charities or non-profit organisations given by the UK government in relation to campaigning and political activity. Hence, my declaration stating personal commentary, opinion and independence from these organisations for advocacy purposes. Government Guidance website:The Purpose of this website is not political. It is to raise awareness of caregiving and support individuals.
Other Publications and Authors (recommended or noted in articles)
'A Q&A with advocate and activist Ai-jen Poo on how to break the isolation of caregiving'.By Amy Brown. Publication: 'Living in 3D: Divorce, Dementia and Destiny'.