A Journey of Resilience, Seeking Support and Self-Care
In the UK, an incredible five million people balance work with caring for someone who depends on them. This balancing act is far from easy and often comes with significant challenges. Nearly half report feeling overwhelmed, forcing around 600 carers to leave the workforce every day, according to a Carers UK 2019 report. Among these carers is Shwetal, whose story highlights the struggle of balancing personal well-being while caring and the value of seeking support.
For a remarkable 37 years, Shwetal thrived as a Construction Project Manager in London—an occupation she very much enjoyed. However, when her father-in-law, Navinchandra, who is in his mid-nineties, began to require full-time care due to the impacts of heart disease, arthritis, and dementia, Shwetal made the brave decision to step away from her career.
“Leaving my career felt like closing a chapter of my life,” she shares. “I loved my job, but my family needed me.”
Now, her days revolve around caring for Navinchandra—managing his diet and personal care and providing emotional support as he navigates dementia. The challenges are constant: “I don’t get much time for myself,” Shwetal says. I always need someone with him because he can’t be left alone.” Even arranging a simple family meal requires careful planning.
Caring for Navinchandra extends beyond time. Shwetal has had to adjust to a reduced income, making it harder to address her own health needs. “The strain from caring has made it difficult for me to take care of my health,” she shares, referring to a rare medical condition she has that once required hospital treatment. “The strain from caring has made it difficult for me to take care of my health,” she reveals, but her determination shines through. “It’s all added to the stress, but I’m learning to navigate it.”
Through her caring journey, Shwetal discovered Carers First when volunteering as a management committee member for her local Asian carers group. With a strong desire to learn coping strategies, she reached out for support. That’s when she joined Carers First’s activities and found various resources that transformed her caring experience. One standout resource has been the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) sessions, which blends cognitive therapy with acupressure.
“The EFT training has been a game-changer,” Shwetal emphasizes. “It helps me stay positive, even on the hardest days!”
Additionally, yoga has become essential to her self-care routine, bringing her peace and helping her recharge. “Taking care of myself empowers me to care for Navinchandra even better,” she shares.
The online well-being sessions have made a notable difference in her experience, saving her time and money while offering fantastic support. Shwetal also thrives in the company of others at the monthly meetups, which provide her with motivation and a wonderful sense of community. “I recently joined a group visit to the Horniman Museum,” she shared. “It was a fantastic day, and we even enjoyed a complimentary lunch!”
The Carers Support Advice team at Carers First, has been instrumental in supporting Shwetal. From arranging Navinchandra's Powers of Attorney to advising on financial matters, Peter has been a steady source of help.” Shwetal says.
In December 2024, Shwetal had the incredible opportunity to join our Chief Executive, Alison Taylor, at the Parliamentary Drop-In, organised by Carers UK as part of their ‘Carers Poverty Coalition’ at the Houses of Parliament. During this event, Shwetal spoke passionately about the challenges faced by unpaid carers, representing many who often go unheard.
“Advocating for carers’ rights was an emotional and pivotal moment for me,” she reflects.
Shwetal’s personal story highlights the difficult choice of leaving her valued career to care for her father-in-law, illustrating the sacrifices many make in this journey. However, her unwavering spirit shines through: “It’s tough, but with my family’s support and the help of Carers First, I know I can keep going,” she says with confidence. “From financial guidance to emotional support, the charity has been there for me every step of the way.”
Shwetal’s sacrifices reflect millions of unpaid carers, highlighting the urgent need for increased societal support and awareness. Her story exemplifies the resilience of carers everywhere, demonstrating the importance of seeking support and practicing self-care. It is a reminder that no carer has to face challenges alone. Click here to find out more about our advice and support.
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