‘I’ve learned to fight for Peter’

Margaret Young (75) is used to visitors in her home; there are 56 carer visits each week to support her looking after her husband, Peter. It’s not unusual for an extra eight people to call – that’s 16 a day – including the doctor, district nurses, occupational therapists and others who maintain equipment to help support Peter’s care. This is the price they pay for the help he needs to stay at home – and they are both grateful for the support they receive under the NHS Continuing Care scheme. Margaret has developed a thick skin during her 30 years of looking after Peter and always has his best interests at heart. “You have to stand up for the person you care for,” she says. “My life is extremely busy sorting out all the appointments Peter needs, checking prescriptions and chasing up maintenance people. The calender is full every day and it’s a job to keep on top of everything.” Margaret wishes life was made easier for carers by having one central point of contact for all the agencies they have to deal with. She and Peter have been married for 56 years and they have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Peter worked as an officer in the fire service and later, he and Margaret spent several years in the Shetland Islands where they both worked for BP. In 1983, Peter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was eventually unable to carry on working. Margaret tried to work after his diagnosis but gave up to be Peter’s full-time carer. She says she’s had to fight to get NHS Continuing Care, which allows the cost of Peter’s care to be fully covered, and admits she often feels stressed as a carer. “When planning visits from tradesmen, I can’t have anyone in the house before the carers have gone at 10.30am. I just have to be organised,” she says. Peter had a stroke several years ago and is now unable to do anything for himself, so carers visit four times a day. Three times a week a sitter stays with Peter so Margaret can go to her own appointments or do the shopping. She loves car boot sales and, if she can arrange a sitter, likes to have a stall at an antiques fair. Although she’s not often able to get out, she unwinds by sorting through some of the items she has collected or reading reference books. “Even if I have a few hours out, Peter is always on my mind; I can never be spontaneous. Every outing has to be booked ahead with the care agency. “I have osteoporosis and arthritis but like most carers, daren’t be ill, as Peter’s needs come first.” To apply for NHS Continuing Care, ask your GP or hospital consultant for an assessment. Call the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org