Anne Pridham became a carent within months of her engagement. While she doesn’t regret her decision, she admits it has been a tough few years – but has found support, friendship and advice to help her via The Carents Room
“I would be lying if I said this is what I thought married life would be like.
“We got engaged in April 2022, but just a few months later, my future mother-in-law sadly suffered a stroke.
“Having cared for her from a distance, we decided to move her in with us after doctors said that at the age of 89, she could no longer live independently.
“Two-and-a-half years later, she’s still with us.
“Would we have made a different decision in hindsight? No.
“And at times it can be quite sweet. Despite her age, she’s got a great sense of humour and there’s peace of mind in knowing she’s looked after.
“But it isn’t easy. She needs a wheelchair to leave the house and, now my husband is retired, he spends the full day with her.
“I work, so when I come home, I feel like I owe it to him to give him some time away especially as he’s the one up with her at night.
“It can be tough – but thanks to The Carents Room, we know we are not alone.
“I get a boost reading the posts – especially the positive ones – and the questions and comments are so useful.
“Getting to a physical group would be hard as I couldn’t leave my mother-in-law, so having an online group is such a help.
“Now compared to some carents, we’ve been quite lucky in that – thanks to my brother-in-law who comes to stay – we’ve been able to enjoy some holidays since getting married, including our honeymoon.
“And I know from The Carents Group there are a lot of people our age who are sadly missing out on life at the moment.
“But The Carents Group definitely helps us all get through it.”
If you are struggling and looking for support, connect with others who understand what you are going through in our private Facebook group The Carents Lounge