Thursday June 12, 2014, Recorder facebook.com/ilfordrecorder Three in ﬁve will have to look after a loved one ... but more than two thirds of adults think it won’t be them by Harry Kemble [email protected] More than two thirds of adults believe it is unlikely they will care for someone in the future, according to new statistics. A YouGov poll, published to mark Carers’ Week 2014, revealed the majority of adults underestimate the chances of providing unpaid care for a loved one. According to the Carers’ Trust – a charity which provides support for carers for families across Redbridge – three in ﬁve people will become carers at some point in their lives. Chief executive Kathy Verges said: “These ﬁndings show the importance of continuing to raise awareness of the realities and challenges of caring – particularly to those with long-term ■ A carers’ coffee morning at Ilford and Romford Disability Association hall in Craven Gardens, Barkingside health conditions.” In Redbridge there are more than 29,000 carers looking after a family member or a close friend. One in eight adults are carers to the elderly, or children or adults living with long-term illnesses or disability. The number is expected to rise to nine million by 2037 – an increase of 2.5 million. Ms Verges said: “Carers need support and a regular break from their caring role. PETER PETTIGREW Mary Pettigrew, 72, of Pelham Road, Ilford, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 13 years ago. Her husband of 47 years, Peter, has cared for her ever since. He has one evening off a week thanks to Carers’ Trust. “When Mary was diagnosed she did not know anything. She did not even know who the Queen was. It was a couple of years before that I realised there was a problem. “It gets harder caring for GATWICK &STANSTED GATWICK Airport ■ Peter and Mary with carer Pauline Brockett her as it goes on. Three and half years ago, she lost the ability to walk. It took her half an hour to get up the Flyer STANSTED Airport 17 Carers Week FEATURE Like us on Facebook SOUTHEND Airport Around the Clock, Door to Door Airport Shuttle East London & South Essex stairs, so we had to move her bed downstairs. “Carers from the Carers’ Trust sit with her while I go out shopping, and that is it. For four days a week, I care for my wife 24 hours a day and for three days a week I care for her 22 hours a day.” On Sunday nights he goes to Guildhall Catholic club at SS Peter and Paul’s. “I have to have a social life. I am very pleased with the work the Carers’ Trust have been doing. They have been fantastic over the years,” he said. “The beneﬁts of high quality respite is always evident in feedback [from carers].” Ena Martin, of Woodford Green, a carer for more than 20 years, feels more needs to be done to prepare people. She said: “I think it is quite worrying people do not think they will have to care for a relative. Nobody knows what is going to happen in the future. “My daughter said only today that her friend has bowel cancer – we just never know what is around the corner. People prefer to be cared for at home, too.” Ms Martin believes the media and the government should unite to raise awareness for carers. “I think the media should do a lot more,” she said. “It is not just the media, though, more pressure needs to be put on the government too.” Are you Diabetic? Are you a heart patient? Do you have Epilepsy? “Identity jewellery that could save your life” 1ST CHILD UP TO 12 YEARS OF AGE FREE ANY CHILD AFTER THAT FROM £6 “Jewellery that provides vital information about the wearer in case of accident or illness” SOS Talisman 01708 730555 l enquiries@gatwickﬂyer.co.uk www.gatwickﬂyer.co.uk 020 8554 5579 www.sostalisman.co.uk 21 Grays Corner, Ley Street, Ilford IG2 7RQ JAN MAITLAND Jan, 67, cares for her 93-year-old mother Winifred Pym every day. Mrs Pym used to be a factory worker and was in the RAF during the Second World War. She has daily support from Carers’ Trust. “Mum has two people in every day – one at lunchtime and one in the evening. One will be myself. Without the carers I just could not manage. “I love my mum to bits – it is not a burden at all. It is nice to be able to keep her in her own home. It is satisfying being able to look after her, but it is hard work as well. “Mum is nearly 94, so she is very frail physically and has ongoing illnesses. My biggest problem is there is not enough funding for us carers. We have to fund ourselves a lot. “This week I am going ■ Jan and her mum Winifred away on holiday for a week. It is one of two holidays I take every year, but I cannot get funding for extra care at home. I can get more help if she is going into a residential home but that does not work for her and her situation. I do think the state could be more supportive.”