For those who care

SILENT heroes thats one way to describe those altruistic and compassionate people who devote their lives to the care of others.

One such person, is Marie Carmen of Figtree, who cares day and night for her daughter, Vicki.

42 year old Vicki needs constant care, with her food needing to be specially prepared as she cannot swallow being just one of the many tasks Marie Carmen completes each day.

I cant deny that its very hard work, Marie Carmen said.

And I have been caring for her for 42 years.

She is unable to talk or chew, but has a lot of energy, which also keeps me on my toes.

But I love her dearly and I never feel completely alone thanks to the support I have from the carers support service.

I get a week off once a month and it makes all the difference.

In all honesty, I think you really need that break to keep you from going mad.

The support I receive is

wonderful.

Recognition of the efforts of people like Marie Carmen has come in the form of Carers Week, from October 15 to 21.

It aims to raise awareness and acknowledge the valuable role provided by carers of adults and children with disabilities, chronic illness, mental illness and frail elderly people in our community.

Illawarra region Carers Support Service is hosting a day of Leisure, Lunch and Looking after Yourself on Wednesday 18 October at the Illawarra Yacht Club as part of this years Carers Week celebrations.

Evelyn Jelercic, Carer Support Coordinator based at Wollongong Hospital, said she is working with the Shoalhaven Carer Support Coordinator to bring people up from the Shoalhaven up for the day which will include lunch and workshops on meditation and relaxation, gentle exercise, aromatherapy, and making time for yourself.

Our aim in organising the day is to focus on the importance of carers looking after themselves, and to say thank you to carers for the role they play in ensuring their relative or friend maintains a quality of life despite disability, mental illness, chronic illness or frailty, Ms Jelercic said.

It is estimated that there are more than 37,000 people living in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven who provide care for a family member, friend or neighbour.

The economic and social contribution carers make to our community is enormous, and our health and community care systems could never replace the work carers do in supporting people who need care, she said.