ILKLEY carer Michael Simpson first discovered Carers’ Resource when he spoke to a member of staff at an event in Addingham more than 15 years ago.
“At the time I had a discussion with the woman on the information stand about how I look after my wife ‘because she’s my wife’ not because I’m a carer,” recalls the 80-year-old.
“At the mention of the word ‘carer’ my wife Lou’s face would change – we always thought we’d be there for each other no matter what because of our marriage vows; it’s what you do in a marriage.”
Now Louise, 95, has vascular dementia, has had a series of mini strokes, mobility problems and is living in a residential home in Ilkley.
The couple moved from a bungalow in Addingham to a smaller flat in Ilkley about 12 years ago.
As Louise’s condition deteriorated Michael said he was struggling to help her to have a bath and he was finding it a strain to encourage her to get up and get dressed.
After a mini stroke in 2016 Louise went to an intermediate care unit where a social worker advised Michael she would be best moving to a home.
“It was a relief for me to hear the social worker say that as I was finding it really hard looking after her myself. I love her dearly but she has the best care now and I visit her every day,” says Michael, a retired sales executive, who represented a top-end menswear clothing company in the North of England.
“She’s settling in well and has friends there, too. I feel relieved.”
Michael, a keen walker and swimmer, has benefited from the Carer’s Wellbeing Grant and put it towards a tablet which the couple used to help research their family history, he has also set up an Emergency Plan through Carers’ Resource.
He says: “Thanks to Carers’ Resource for all their help over the past years. I’m most grateful and I shall not forget their kindness given.”
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