Journeys with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are never taken alone. While one’s life will undergo some profound changes, both physical and mental, carers also face a range of challenges.
If you’re a spouse, sibling, parent or a healthcare professional caregiver, you’re truly a lifeline for those working to adapt to their new life. It’s a story of resilience, compassion, and struggle, one that’s too often overlooked and deserves to be brought to light.
In this article, we’ll dive into the vital role caregivers play during the rehabilitation process, explore the challenges of being a caregiver and share some heartfelt stories of those who have supported a person with SCI throughout this experience. We’ll also share how our specialist team at Aspire Law is here to support you and your loved ones.
The vital role of caregivers for people with SCI
According to Carers UK and the Census 2021, there are around 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK. Dedicated carers, in some shape or form, exist in so many homes across the country, transforming lives one day at a time.
They are the guiding light for countless individuals with SCI and beyond, supporting them through the good, the bad and the ugly moments during their rehabilitation.
A carer’s role transcends purely medical tasks, such as monitoring health, managing medication, handling mobility aids or providing personal care for daily living. It also encompasses the emotional hardships and deeply compassionate relationships that caregivers and people with SCI develop over time.
Most importantly, caregivers provide encouragement, hope and stability for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Emotional challenges of caregivers
Carer’s UK State of Caring survey 2023 found that 79% of carers feel stressed or anxious, and 49% of carers feel depressed. Additionally, 54% of carers said their physical health had suffered as a result of their career.
Devoting your time and energy to the long-term care of others is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. However, it can also involve challenges along the way. These caregiver issues include exhaustion, overwhelm, isolation and a sense of helplessness.
Resources for caregivers
Despite these challenges, there are many avenues to support the needs of caregivers. Carers UK, Age UK and Mind are just a few examples of charities that are working hard to provide guidance and help for those working within spinal cord injury care and beyond.
With everything from social care support and respite care to financial support and guidance at work, these organisations are here for you, no matter what.
For your own mental and physical well-being and so that you can be there for your loved ones, it’s crucial for caregivers to gain access to these services.
Stories of SCI caregivers
Caregiving is truly an emotional rollercoaster, filled with challenges, progress and moments of joy. Below, we dive into some stories exploring the role of caregivers, both fictional and nonfiction, to provide you with some inspiration during adversity.
The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself by Linda Abbit
How can you fulfil your role as a caregiver without losing yourself?
According to Carers UK, the most recent NHS SACE survey found that 20% of carers felt they were neglecting themselves. As a result, it’s crucial to learn how to look after yourself alongside your loved one, both for your caring capabilities as well as your mental well-being.
Conscious Caregivers by Linda Abbit is a guide for how to navigate caring for a loved one, whether this is undertaken by someone within the home or with external help. Exploring topics such as how to talk to your family and friends about the new situation, ways for coping with the emotional stress, as well as how to make sure you take the time for yourself, this book tackles an array of important aspects of being a caregiver.
The Selfish Pig’s Guide To Caring by Hugh Marriott
Despite limited support and a lack of formal training for the majority of caregivers, their perseverance and selflessness shine through. Obviously, carers are anything but selfish pigs, however, they can be liable to guilt, exhaustion and isolation, which are all completely valid along this challenging journey.
The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott aims to shed light on the realities of being a carer, and everything he wished he’d been told when he first became a carer.
Exploring topics such as dealing with responses from family members and friends, sex and how to cope with the emotional and practical elements of devoting your time to someone else. It’s a must-read for carers and non-carers alike.
The Carer by Deborah Moggach
Alternatively, if fiction is more your speed, we recommend you try The Carer by Deborah Moggach.
Sharp, clever and deeply poignant, this novel explores the family of father James, Phoebe and her brother Robert, who hire carer Mandy to help out. However, things may not be as they first seemed… Then something incredible happens, which reshapes their family dynamic and brings their father into a new light.
Unsung heroes: Lifelines for spinal injury care
There are countless stories we could share with you of people who have dedicated their lives to caregiving.
These stories show that caregiving isn’t just about providing practical care; it’s about being a pillar of emotional and mental health support. The impact these caregivers have on their loved ones’ recovery is often unrecognised but immeasurable.
Easing the strain with Aspire Law
At Aspire Law, we understand the strain that is placed on caregivers.
That’s why we try to ease the load as much as possible. By supporting people with spinal cord injuries’ access to rehabilitation, support via interim payments, as well as housing needs and guidance throughout the legal process, we can help carers focus on their caregiving duties.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our dedicated team and how our services are here to provide you with the assistance you deserve.
