大象传媒

Irene Mace's mum has arthritis, angina, irritable bowel syndrome and she has suffered with cancer. She is very slow, walking around holding furniture and plans her day according to her own routine. She's also in the early stages of vascular dementia.

Irene says: "My caring role started in 1991, after my dad had a stroke and mum became his carer. I used to support her, taking them out shopping in my car.

"She then went downhill rapidly and my role got bigger. Mum kept collapsing due to angina, and she'd wake up on the kitchen floor."

After Irene's dad died in care, her mum has lived independently but Irene visits every other day to ensure her mum is safe and well.

'Burn-out' was threatening my lifestyle

Prior to caring, Irene was in charge of a 45 bed mental health unit at a hospital for older adults, as well as a training programme for nurses and carers. As a divorced parent she was also running a home with two children. Despite her busy lifestyle she also found time to pursue her hobbies at night school.

"I guess I got 'burn-out' eventually and my life changed when I became a carer because I couldn't find time to play squash and take holidays.

"I get exhausted, but one of my coping mechanisms is gardening, especially pruning! I also go driving and love music. I have a very strong Christian faith and I do find people are very supportive."

Joys of caring

Irene is keen to emphasise the joys of caring and she still enjoys her mum's company and sense of humour, maintaining a strong relationship with her.

"Many carers' relationships change and you can find yourself resenting the caring role", says Irene.

New role in York Carers Forum

Irene is the support officer for the York Carers Forum. She is looking for the new organisation to have a greater say in the lives of carers and the services and support which is provided for carers in York.

There are over half a million carers in York and North Yorkshire, six million in the UK and they save the country an estimated 拢87 million pounds a year in potential care costs.

For more information about the York Carers Forum call the CSV Actionline at 大象传媒 Radio York on 01904 610606 or fill in the form below.