Ed has been caring for his partner Jenny, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, since 2021. Though the diagnosis comes with challenges, the couple have been together for 16 years and Ed’s dedication to loving and caring for Jenny remains strong.
Ed has been Jenny’s carer for five years, after the couple discovered that she had Alzheimer’s, a degenerative disease which affects memory, thinking skills and the ability to perform daily tasks. Ed shares how the diagnosis initially shocked him, “It was very hard at first because I didn’t know anything about [dementia].”
Coming to terms with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s is always difficult for anyone, as it affects not only the person receiving the diagnosis, but the entire family and support system that surrounds them. This is why support for those caring for someone with the disease is essential, and this is something that Ed learned early on in his journey:
“Someone recommended to me a dementia support group. I learned about ways to support Jenny, like a day care centre which she now goes to. I still go to meetings and groups with Carers First because they give me so much support. Everyone is in the same boat, and we talk about each other’s stories.”
Through Ed’s caring journey, he feels as though he’s learned a lot of valuable information about navigating caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, and he enjoys getting to share this with others at the support groups, “I feel like perhaps I can help someone else with my advice."
Although Jenny’s condition means that the couple do not have as big of a social life as before, due to her mobility issues, and confusion at times, Ed strives to maintain some socialising in the form of support groups.
He also ensures to make time for his own wellbeing when possible: when Jenny is being supported by a carer who visits the house, Ed takes the opportunity to go out on a park run on Saturday mornings, which benefits his mental, as well as physical, wellbeing.
He expresses how the support from the team at Carers First has been useful. He has received a lot of beneficial advice from Stephen, one of our Carer Support Advisers, and knows that he can trust the team for expert guidance and support.
Something Ed is passionate about is ensuring all carers receive the support they need.
He calls for greater awareness and better financial support to be provided to unpaid carers by the Government, commenting that “there needs to be a big change.”
At Carers First, we understand that the financial aspect of caring can be really difficult to manage, and we fully support the proposition of improved financial support for unpaid carers.
Ed’s story demonstrates the power of community and connection amongst those caring for someone. His experience caring for Jenny have allowed him to share this with others going through similar situations, knowing that they will feel empowered with the knowledge they’ve received, and can take comfort in realising they are not alone.
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