This week - 10-16 June - is Carers’ Week. To celebrate the theme of ‘Putting Carers on the Map’ we’re sharing Susie’s story, who cares for her mum Florence.
Florence, centre standing, with friends from LIHH
Susie’s mum Florence lives in an annexe attached to Susie’s house. “We’ve lived together almost all our lives,” explains Susie. “Apart from a gap of about four years, we’ve always been together.”
However, eighteen months ago, Florence was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has sadly just recently spread to her brain. Susie, who works for Leeds City Council, became her mum’s carer. Florence, originally from County Sligo, has struggled with her mobility and vision and has started chemotherapy to slow the cancer’s progression. “I just find it very sad,” admits Susie. “She worked, she was going to the gym until she was 73. But she’s very positive, she never complains.”
Like many Irish women, Florence doesn’t like to feel like a burden. “She gets upset that she can’t do certain things any more. She doesn’t like to put on anyone,” explains Susie. But culturally sensitive care from Leeds Irish Health & Homes has helped.
“Going along to the Tea Dances or going for a coffee with someone from LIHH - it feels like home to her. It’s that sense of Irish community. Before mum was ill, I’d heard of Leeds Irish Health & Homes but I didn’t really know how they could help. But Sarah from LIHH offered me some support, I said yes, and the rest is history.”
Florence, seated centre, and friends at the LIHH Christmas party
As a carer, Susie admits it’s difficult to balance caring for her mum, working and looking after herself. But she urges those facing the same challenges to find a support network and to ask for help.
“You’re not alone. Other people are going through similar experiences and talking to them can help,” says Susie. “And people do want to help, so reach out. Your wellbeing matters too - share the care if possible.”
Susie is keen to emphasise the help she’s had from family members and from Leeds Irish Health & Homes. “LIHH have been a great support for me, mum and the whole family. Support with appointments, applying for carers allowance and other benefits I’d never heard of, getting a blue badge - Jamie from LIHH just sorted it all out. And he does everything with so much compassion - and makes it fun as well.”
“It’s lessened the stress and helped me concentrate on spending time with my gorgeous mum,” says Susie.
Speaking of fun, Jamie organised a surprise birthday gathering for Florence recently, including a visit from a friend from Ireland. “She was so shocked and surprised,” says Susie. “When she was working she was always the one who’d be organising parties and things for colleagues, so it’s lovely for her to be on the receiving end.”
Florence (cream and red dress) with family and friends at her surprise birthday gathering
And Susie knows that help is at hand when she needs it. “LIHH check in with me frequently to see if I’m alright. It’s little things like this that make you feel like you’re not on your own,” she says. “How wonderful and privileged we are to have an organisation like LIHH that looks after us all - thank you.”
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If you’re a carer, Leeds Irish Health & Homes can help. Contact the office on 0113 262 5614 of office@lihh.org for more information.
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