Lin has been caring for her husband, Robert, ever since he was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. Married for over 40 years, their life has slowly shifted as Robert’s condition has worsened, especially since 2019, when Lin could no longer leave him alone. They still live in their family home, but with their daughter and young grandchildren living far away—and juggling work and school—visits are mostly limited to weekends and holidays.
With only limited private carers to help, Lin gets a short break when she and Robert visit a dementia café or when he attends a day centre once a week. But even then, she has to drop him off and pick him up, so the time never really feels like enough. Instead of getting a real break, she just waits nearby.
Originally from the Far East, Lin moved to the UK in the ‘70s to continue her nursing career. She still has family and friends back home, including some new family members she’d never met in person. But the idea of taking a trip seemed impossible—Robert relies on her for everything, and leaving him, even for a short time, would take so much planning and preparation.
An important meeting & a big decision
At a local ‘Forget Me Not’ café, Lin met Nichola, one of our West Essex Support Workers. Our team regularly connects with local organisations and carer groups, reaching out to those who might not know about our services. After chatting at the café, then at home and over the phone, Nichola helped Lin really reflect on what she needed. Using our Carers Star and person-centred approach, Lin realised that making a trip back home wasn’t just a dream—it was something she truly needed.
With support from her daughter and the help of private carers, Lin started planning. Talking things through with Nichola helped her feel confident that she deserved this break and that with the right support, it could happen. She successfully applied for an enhanced grant to help cover the cost of in-home care, and after months of careful preparation, she finally took her trip.
Reconnecting and rediscovering herself
While away, Lin reunited with family and friends, including old school friends she hadn’t seen in years. She even reconnected with a close friend from her early nursing days in the UK—someone she’d lost touch with but was able to find again thanks to a mutual friend. Though her friend now lives in Australia, they’ve rekindled their friendship and stay in touch through WhatsApp.
This trip was more than just a holiday—it was a chance for Lin to be herself again, outside of her caring role. She was able to talk about life before Robert’s dementia, reminisce, and feel like her own person again, not just a carer.
Now, even though she’s back home, Lin feels more connected and supported. She has her WhatsApp group with old friends, a stronger relationship with family, and a renewed sense of who she is beyond caring for Robert.
👉 If you’re a carer and need support—whether it’s a small break, emotional support, or help making something big happen—we’re here for you. Get in touch today
