Carer's Stories
Every Carer has a story — and every story matters.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tough, lonely, and full of hidden struggles. Behind every caring role is an individual with their own hopes, worries, and life beyond caring.
Sharing these experiences can be powerful. It helps others feel less alone, gives comfort in tough times, and reminds us all that support is out there.
Read the stories below from Carers across Bedfordshire — and if you’re inspired to share your own, we’d love to hear from you.
Carers Stories
Mark's Blog
A funny, moving, and raw account from Mark, who cares 24/7 for his 18-year-old son. It’s a totally honest view of their world, which we think many carers will be able to relate to, depicting what life is really like. It shows the true emotions and frustrations many carers go through behind closed doors and the toll this can take on a family and an individual.
Carers Stories
Adult Carer's Stories
Many people do not see themselves as carers because they are simply doing what they can for a relative or friend who cannot manage without them, because of their disability or illness. Here some carers share their experiences, the rewards and the challenges they face.
Anne's Story
Anne explains how this year she has relinquished the role of “fixer” for her son who has a drug and alcohol addiction
“As Lewis’ mum, I thought it was my role and duty to do this, after all it must somehow be my fault. Where have I gone wrong? “
Jane's Story
Jane shares her experience of navigating the system to get respite. She has cared for four members of her family.
“I have always looked after my family – my mum, dad, brother and husband, plus me! Over the years their needs have developed and as they have aged, they have become more dependent and in need of more full-time care.
I was happy to stop work and spend my days caring for the family. It’s what I do, It has been a joy and privilege for me to look after them”.
Dave's Story
Dave cares for his wife Sarah, who has physical disabilities. He took up 3-D printing during lockdown and is a keen angler.
“I got very despondent during lockdown – at one point, I couldn’t even look after myself, let alone Sarah. I couldn’t go fishing or to the Men in Sheds workshop where I volunteered. A neighbour lent me his home 3D printer and I’ve really got into it. In fact, I’ve ended up buying my own. An NHS carers grant helped me buy some supplies.”
Chris' Story
“It’s always been just the two of us. We decided not to have children when we got married because Huntington’s is a genetic condition. Nick saw his mother and brother pass away from the same cruel disease”
Eve's Story
Eve has learning disabilities and she cares for her husband Pete, who has several diagnoses. She talks about the impact of caring on her condition.
” I do all the household jobs, finance, his medications and appointments. I have to fix or get his walker repaired – and of course, I listen to his worries and concerns.
Despite all this, he also helps me. For example, he reminds me about my meds. He also comes out with some gems – and he still makes me laugh, he cracks me up! “
A Rollercoaster Story
Living with second-hand depression and the roller coaster ride that is being a full-time unpaid carer.
“I feel exhausted most of the time, undervalued by the government and unappreciated by my wife, but I know that is the depression talking. I feel like I need a rest from the incessant gloom and despair, or I fear I will fall into the same deep well.”
Paula's Story
I care for my 20-year-old son Harry, who has severe epilepsy. A few years ago, I caught the sewing bug.
“I used the carers grant to attend more classes to improve my skills and combat loneliness. I have now made more than 20 quilts, including gifts, commissions and for charities. The feeling of achievement is so positive for my mental well-being”
Ortrud's Story
Ortrud explains how, despite being reluctant at first, counselling has helped her.
“I first tried counselling 6 years ago but it did not help. I was reluctant to try again but I am caring for my husband who has MS. It is very important to create a stress free home as it can make MS worse. However, my past was causing me a lot of pain and I was struggling to cope.”
Carers Stories
Young and Young Adult Carer Stories
Young carers are superheroes – they take on a lot of responsibility sometimes at a very young age. Here some young carers share their experiences, the rewards and the challenges they face.
Rida's Story
Meet Rida, a young carer, who looks after her mother and helps take care of her younger brother. Her mum has epilepsy so both children take on more responsibilities in the home than you’d expect from children of their age.
“The best thing about being a young carer is knowing that my mum is being cared for. I come to a lot of Carers in Bedfordshire things and get to talk to other young carers”
Jamaal's Story
Jamaal cares for his younger brother, who is 13. He has ADHD and Autism.
Jamaal explains what it’s like to be a young carer.
“In my research about young carers I found we miss out on at least eight hours a week in terms of sleep and school work, let alone time for any socialising and concentrating on our own wellbeing.
Caring can be difficult, as it does take its toll on you and you have to be aware of your own mental health. If you do start to feel low, seek help if you can”.
Eshe's Story
“But I don’t see myself as a carer, I am his big sister. We’ve grown up together so my role has just evolved. I am only two years older – he was diagnosed when he was 5.
I’ve always looked out for him at school as he had a hard time there.Teachers thought they knew best how to help him but didn’t always get it right”
Carers Stories
Parent Carer Stories
A parent carer is a parent who cares for a child or young person aged 18 or under, with any additional need. This might also be a grandparent or guardian. Sometimes the needs of the young person are life-long and the challenges being faced develop as the child/young person grows.
Here some parent carers share their experiences, the rewards and the challenges they face.
Mark's Story
My 10-year-old son, Ralph, has ADHD and OCD. He moved in with me in 2019 and I have been a full time carer ever since.
“I love being his dad, it’s the best job I’ve every had. But there’s a paradox because I wouldn’t choose to do it”
Heather's Story
Parent carer Heather talks about her struggles getting her GP to understand her caring role with her now adult son.
“I can’t remember anyone asking us – I see you are a carer, how are things?”
Isobel's Story
My son has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, ASD, ADHD, a heart condition, diabetes, asthma and anxiety
“He keeps me going, he’s our whole world. If we didn’t do what we do, his anxieties and frustrations would be far worse than they are. I rarely put my own wellbeing into consideration, it’s all about him”
Ashley's Story
“Working fulltime is challenging. I often go into work sleep deprived, exhausted from the challenges at home. Medical issues, along with the wellbeing of my son and wife at the forefront of the mind. But I need to work, to pay the bills and put food on the table. Holiday allowance often used for medical appointments”.
A Mum's Story
My teenage son has quite a few needs – dyspraxia and hypermobility, but the hardest for me is his developmental issues.
“We get really good support from the NHS. We have a constant cycle of appointments. They’re really understanding and will keep appointments short and sweet. They give me options when we’ve had to miss an appointment.
Ena's Story
I am an accountant by profession. I gave up my career to care full-time for my son, Musa, 16. I am a writer in between caring and working and have published two novels
“Sometimes it may seem like you’re climbing a mountain and you have to fight for everything but don’t give up”.
Edward's Story
Parent carer and senior nurse Edward opens up about why he set up a group to help men to look after their mental health.
“During the pandemic, I started to really struggle with my own mental health, juggling demands as my workload went through the roof and caring for my daughter who is autistic and has pathological demand avoidance.
It is important for men to become proactive investing in their own mental health before things deteriorate. I’ve learnt the hard way”
Carers Stories
Dementia Carer Stories
Here some dementia carers talk about their experiences and the challenges they face.
Lee's Story
It didn’t come as a shock when Jane, my wife of over 40 years, was diagnosed with dementia with Alzheimer’s. For months previously she had shown classic symptoms –
“Over the following months there was the inevitable range of questions and emotions bubbling under the surface – guilt, remorse, frustration, anger, they were all there.”
David's Story
I am Dave Matthews and my wife is Mavis. This is our story. It is a journey from Spring, through Summer and now into Autumn.
“It has been the most difficult few years of my life as I have fought to understand & deal with a “new” Mavis, but also the most rewarding as I see what love can do when medical science has no answer.”
Ernie's Story
“I needed that help to know where I should go”
Susan's Story
Susan made an important find after the the reminiscence session of one of our Ancestry Talks
“It’s just so lovely for my mum, who I care for who has dementia, and my aunts that they now have this clasp. It’s helped us to connect and find out more about the family history.”
Kayson's Story
“It’s heart breaking to see my mother deteriorate. As someone gets worse with dementia you take on more and more things you never thought you’d have to do.”.
Hearing about the real experiences of carers is inspiring and informative. If you would be happy to share your story, we’d love to hear from you.
Register With Us
By registering with us as a carer you will get access to a whole range of services, including advice, information, access to our groups, events and carers grants.
Need To Talk To Someone?
You can book a call with one of our support workers and talk to them about any of your concerns.
