I had a lovely apologetic email from my new best friend, Bob at CAB, who said he was so excited when he read my first few sentences, that he couldn't wait to read the rest! I'd put:
I am a retired Business Studies Teacher, both in Secondary and Tertiary Education and have also taught Life Skills, on a voluntary basis. For the past 12 years I have cared for my late husband, who had Alzheimer's, as well as several other illnesses. I have helped many friends and neighbours with form completion, ranging from Attendance Allowance applications to Probate.
And then I'd explained about my foot op, and not being available until the end of March. I should have added:
I am an active member of Talking Point, a brilliant forum, where carers of family members with Dementia, are able to share the highs and lows of their lives, and seek advice and support from others.
As well as ensuring that others get fat, and drunk, on cyber cake and wine, I have found my particular forte is advising others on how to deal with the cement-reinforced brick walls, that are constantly erected, with lightning speed, whenever they seek help from The Authorities.
Always good to read a post from someone who says it as it is. I accept that professional staff might be busy people. But I always remember a lecturer of mine saying: 'are they busy or working hard?' I have never forgotten his words of wisdom. I think it is probable that professional staff are so busy managing budgets that carers do not often get a fair share of the cake. I am also certain they are not on duty 24/7 with inadequate respite and no prospect of a holiday.
