This Caregiver's Respite and Review

#CarersWeek #CaringAboutEquality June 9-15.

Jun 08, 2025

It’s Carers Week, starting tomorrow, June 9th - 15th. The campaign, led by Carers UK, focuses on #CaringAboutEquality.

It’s challenging to write about caring for equality for carers when there is so much inequality; in particular, the injustice of Carers Allowance Overpayments grinds and burns.

I’ve web-published an article about the ‘Inequalities faced by young carers’ because I think it’s important to recognise that they are young caregivers too. Our instinct may be to change or stop them from having to be caregivers, but as you’ll see from the article, this is one of their biggest fears and challenges.

Accepting carers as they are and ensuring there are consistent, available resources and support for carers of any age is essential. Every situation is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

I’ve had a short break over the last few days. The first evening, this is what I saw:

A Gorgeous Fire-Sunset viewed by Victoria

There’s been a lot playing on my mind in the first half of this year, specifically around Cancer. Hence, the Index: Cancer Articles & Resources. Building a community support network and resources.

There are too many familial cases of cancer to be complacent about the potential risks and nagging thoughts. So, in advance of this trip, the number one priority has been having a 360 health check done. It’s a private investment that makes so much sense to me.

Here are a few links to different ones:

When I was employed, I had a BUPA Health assessment as part of my work benefits. This time, I used Nuffield because the time and location fit with my respite break.

The biggest drivers of doing this are:

comprehensive tests and checks with immediate results for the majority of them, e.g. bloods, ECG.
I had a full hour with a GP face-to-face. She went through the pre-filled questionnaire in detail, probing to make a thorough report
I could request additional tests or scans and develop a referral plan pending the results.

This is not a question of trust or issues with the GP practice I’m registered with. They are very supportive. However, for peace of mind and convenience, this was perfect. Convenience not just because of the appointment timing and location, but because I knew that, unlike the NHS, I could discuss everything with one person, and form a plan of action without weeks of waiting for appointments, tests, results and further action.

There are still some outstanding items, but the same doctor will call me to discuss the results.

I’d recommend this as a yearly event for any caregiver, if possible.

I can readily confess that when I was sitting with the GP, there were a couple of times I was teary. Why? Yes, this highlighted how tired I was. It’s always the same on the first day on my own.

But, sitting there, I realised this is one of the first times the spotlight is 100% on me and my health. People were probing and asking me questions, all about me. (If you start automatically saying the birth date of your parent before your own in these circumstances, you can tell their appointments have conditioned you!!)

One of the unexpected outcomes I’ve had from doing this is gaining some broader clarity. Aided by some lovely in-person quality time with one good friend and a three-hour catch-up call with another.

A mid-year review and re-centring.

I’m recalibrating myself and my time, so there may be some changes in how I do things. The core mission to support you, the caregivers, and those you care for won’t change.

However, as I said in a recent article, I can frustrate myself with big ideas and my unpredictable, limited time.

A few photos for you…

I thought I’d share some beautiful photos of Glasgow Cathedral. The stained glass windows were stunning.

I love St Giles’ Cathedral. The ceiling is magnificent. It was a pleasure to hear the choir and feel the music live during the service. These moments refuel the soul.