Why carers matter

When my husband is admitted to hospital you might assume that I can take a step back from being his carer, but the reverse is true. Although my husband is usually an independent and professionally successful man, when sick he becomes tired, confused, and vulnerable. Because he is bed bound I become his arms and legs, helping him to turn and reposition, wash and dress, and get his food and drink. Crucially, I become his eyes, monitoring his body for signs of pressure damage. I also become his motivator and mood monitor: depression and anxiety are never far away when disability suddenly looms larger than in normal life.