The CAPE Anthology: Raising Awareness.
The CAPE Anthology: Raising Awareness.
Dispelling the myth that Carers are Superhuman. Care, be Aware, Prepare & Engage (CAPE).
Dear Reader,
Care, be Aware, Prepare and Engage. CAPE
In this section-Anthology, you’ll find information that will help you at the cusp of your caregiving journey, increase your awareness of key facts and ask you to engage in supporting caregivers.
Irrespective of whether you are a caregiver, we’ll all need some care support at one point in our lives. I recommend curiously, gently and openly discussing these topics to be primed and ready for the YOU or your LOVED ONES need more care support.
The Table of Contents:
The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving: Professor Joan Tronto, Ai-jen Poo and Emily Kenway.
Commentary on the research work of Carers UK and other Caregiving organisations in the UK
On the Cusp of Caregiving
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.
US Specific:
Caregiving 101. It Helps To Be Prepared. By
. Publication: Ageing Well
Carers Week 2024 (June 10 - 16)
Carers Week UK. June 10-16, 2024. Unpaid Carers have 'No choice to care'. Can you support caregivers?
'Care in the UK. 10 Facts Which Shock'. Realities and a Recommendation
'Young carers and Young adults are Caregivers. The hidden crisis is ageless.' Let's ensure Children/Young adults know their rights and where to get support.
UK: Carers Allowance. Attendance Allowance. Two benefits. One for the Caregiver and the other for those receiving care.
Carers UK: 'Planning ahead, helping a loved one'. Animation 'Managing someone else's affairs.'
It’s worth remembering that slight differences exist in different parts of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.)
For those unsure of being a carer or starting to think about caregiving for a family member, I recommend reading Lindsay’s article:
The Carers' Cribsheet. To round off Carers' Week here in the UK, important words on the practicalities of offering care. By
Lindsay Johnstone
The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving: Professor Joan Tronto, Ai-jen Poo and Emily Kenway.
‘An Introduction to Caring Democracy’, by Prof. Joan C Tronto Access Minnesota's Jim Dubois' Interview (July 15, 2014).
Emily Kenway Interview Love and Caregiving go Hand in Hand on Amanpour and Company June 5 2023.
Emily Kenway's 'Who Cares: The hidden crisis of caregiving and how we solve it'October 24 2023.
Ai-jen Poo Executive Director of Caring Across Generations in the US and President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Chris Hayes Podcast (MSNBC). January 21 2024.
'A Q&A with advocate and activist Ai-jen Poo on how to break the isolation of caregiving'.By
. Publication: 'Living in 3D: Divorce, Dementia and Destiny'.
Commentary on the research work of Carers UK and other Caregiving organisations in the UK
US & UK governments differ in their support of carers. March 6 & 7th 2024. Carers UK & Caring Across Generations respond.
‘Chancellor’s Spring Budget falls short of supporting millions of unpaid carers’. Carers UK Press releases: 06 March 2024
‘International Women’s Day’ March 8 2024
Carers UK: International Women's Day ‘10 Facts about women who are unpaid carers’ March 8 2024
New Rights - The Carers Leave Act. April 6 2024 Carers UK and Government website information.
Commentary: 'Nearly half of working age carers lose £12,000 of income per year because they provide care'.15 January 2024
Commentary: 'Burning' There was no holiday for many Carers. January 11 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: '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
The Carer Mentor Mission
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 PooExec 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. While 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, picking up medications, 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.
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 that the UK government gives specific guidance for charities or non-profit organisations concerning campaigning and political activity. This is a personal commentary and opinion, and I’m stating 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.
