Crusade for Alzheimer's carers
THE News Letter today launches its campaign to increase support for carers of Alzheimer's victims.
One of our columnists, Jackie McGregor, will head the crusade - after she watched her mother struggle with the disease until her death four years ago.
Tragic
Her father John, who is 82, has also been diagnosed with the devastating illness that also takes its toll on those around the sufferer.
Jackie is calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to take immediate action to boost support services for those caring for Alzheimer's sufferers.
Voice
She is calling on readers with personal stories to contact her to get their voices heard and is promising to send a copy of all her replies to the Prime Minister with a letter explaining the reality of being a carer.
There are an estimated 16,000 people with dementia in Northern Ireland.
Jackie said: "So many carers struggle on alone, feeling guilty if they are not doing everything for their loved one and feeling even guiltier if they are not spending every spare moment with their charge.
Desperate
"Alzheimer sufferers can become very clingy. They are so afraid of how they are feeling that they stick to their full-time carer like glue, following them everywhere and this can be the one aspect of caring that can push the carer over the edge.
"In my opinion, a little respite for carers, even if it's only for a few hours a week, can re-energise a carer and help them carry on in their caring role.
"This is a terrible disease and it's an exhausting full-time job trying to care for those who have it.
"Carers save the NHS 87 billion a year, yet we are treated like second class citizens, seen as sad people with no voice.''
Stuck
Jackie said that since her mother has died, nothing much has changed in the way of help for Alzheimer's carers.
"I'm sure there are plenty of other Alzheimer's carers in Northern Ireland feeling isolated and alone, desperately needing various forms of assistance in care but not getting it, and I would like to hear from you, let's try to get our caring voices heard.
"Tell me your story, what has life as a carer been like for you, how has it affected you and what would you find would make your life easier in a caring role?''
Jackie said she will send all her replies to the Prime Minister with a letter highlighting what life is really like for a carer and what they need to continue in their role.
Appeal
If you would like to contact Jackie email: jaqsworld@googlemail.com or write care of the News Letter, Ground Floor, Metro Building, 6-9 Donegall Sq South, Belfast, BT1 5JA.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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