When Alf and Margaret Davies married in 1975 at the age of 24 and 20, they couldn’t have known that only four years later, Margaret would be diagnosed with Multiple Schlerosis (MS).
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Pins and needles in her feet and the loss of the use of her hands were the first signs of the diagnosis that was to change their lives.
Childhood sweethearts from the age of 14, they have now been married for 43 years and for the past 15 years Alf has been caring for Margaret.
In the early days, the symptoms were manageable and they were fortunate to be able to raise a family of three boys, two of whom still live and work in the Forbes area.
These days Alf is her carer.
“Obviously we would have preferred for Margaret to have enjoyed good health throughout her life,” Alf said.
“But we make the most of our situation and enjoy each other’s company and stay in regular contact with our sons and grandchildren, some of whom we look after for a couple of days a week.”
There are 2.7 million carers in Australia, and their role has been highlighted as part of National Carers Week (October 14 to 20).
The push is to make sure carers are identified, and get the support they need.
Research shows that nearly 80 per cent of carers do not self-identify as a carer and may not be aware of the emotional, financial and practical support and services available to them.
In Carers Week 2018, an initiative titled Embracing Carers has been launched online at www.embracingcarers.com
It offers a number of tools including an “am I a carer?” questionnaire, the Global State of Care Report.
They’ve launched an international Facebook social media campaign highlighting the role of carers.
“People living in rural and remote areas face many challenges in accessing the services they need – including carer support services”, says Ara Cresswell, CEO of Carers Australia.
“While support services are available, they may be difficult to access. The fact that these carers may not identify with the term compounds the situation.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines carers as people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.
Carers can call the Carer Gateway or free call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.