Rose spoke to us about life caring for her husband who has terminal cancer and her autistic son, as well as what it's like to have laughter in the house again.
“We have suffered for so many years. We lived in a one room flat for many years where my son and I would have to take turns sleeping on the floor. The flat had mould and mildew which would make us cough and get sick. Last Christmas, the flat flooded with sewage ruining many of our things.
I had to be strong for my husband. I didn’t want him to die in that place. It was so hard though and there was never laughter in our house.
We just about made ends meet with me doing some shift work and my husband’s pension although we couldn’t afford to buy a cooker. My husband needs a special diet to help keep him strength up and I felt so anxious and depressed that I couldn’t give him that.
My GP saw how much I was struggling. She helped us get a social services assessment and we were finally rehoused in January this year to a two-bedroom flat. I was also introduced to Peter at Carers First. He helped me secure the Carers Allowance, filling in the forms for me. He also got me a grant for a new cooker.
Life is so much better now. My son and I no longer have to take turns sleeping on the floor. I use the Carers Allowance to buy better food which I can cook with my new cooker. I feel so glad that I can take better care of my husband.
We are all happier and there is laughter in our house again.
I am so grateful for what Peter and Carers First have done for my family. I recommend Carers First to everyone, telling my story about the change they have made in my life. In the summer I have promised to meet up with other carers and cook for them. Life now feels more hopeful.”
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