Listen to our podcast!
Care to Share is an Impact Studios podcast hosted by Prudence Granger, Carer-in-Residence for the Carer Knowledge Exchange. This podcast features open and honest conversations with carers discussing the challenges, roadblocks, and joys of caring.
Meet Prudence, our Carer-in-Residence!
Seven years ago, my father was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s and everything in my life changed. I was 22 years old and at first had no idea what this meant for myself or my family. For the first few years his decline was not overly impactful, and I went about my life as usual, aware my father was unwell, but not completely understanding the implications this would have, for his life or for mine. I never envisioned that I would one day become my dad’s carer, but a few years later I fell into the role, and it has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life.
External Link Read more here!
Blog 5: You Can’t Eat a Gift Card
By Prudence Granger | 5 December 2023
Carer research plays an important role in informing policy and influencing governmental perspectives on informal caregiving, but without carer participation, this vital research would not be possible. Vital though it is, this participation is often ‘appreciated’ (in the form of gift cards) rather than ‘valued’ (in the form of fair renumeration). This blog post unpacks the difference between appreciation and value of carers’ time and why this is problematic.
External Link Read more here!
Blog 4: How does identifying as a carer impact a person’s wellbeing?
By Prudence Granger | 15 June 2023
In relation to service systems and supports, the question of carer wellbeing tends to be synonymous with the process of identifying as a carer. However, my experience has taught me that for many people this identification process can end up doing more harm than good. While there are supposed systems and supports in place once you identify yourself as a carer, the reality is often that these systems are not particularly accessible, sometimes not as supportive as one would hope, and regularly come with a high administrative burden. Furthermore, taking on this identity can be socially isolating and increase carers’ already heavy load.
External Link Read more here!
Blog 3: Managing Relationships in Care
By Prudence Granger | 11 May 2023
As carers, there is a lot on our plate. Every day needs to be scheduled, systems need to be in place, structure created to ensure ease and flow for those we care for. I often feel as though the day-to-day involves pre-empting a potential problem, in which a sixth sense develops allowing you to anticipate the needs of the person you’re caring for, and yet, somehow, everyday a new challenge or disruption occurs that must now be accounted for. All this time spent on edge can be draining, which is why support services are so vital for the wellbeing of carers, however, sometimes managing services and support workers can be more of a challenge than a support …
External Link Read more here!
Blog 2: The true cost of Informal Care
By Prudence Granger | 6 April 2023
When I stepped into my role as an informal carer for my father, there was no doubt that I would continue to work. My job was flexible, I was sharing the load with my Mum and it was ‘manageable’ while working. In the beginning this was true, his needs weren’t overly high, he only needed support here and there and he could be left alone while I was out of the house for a couple of hours to teach yoga. However, this soon changed.
External Link Read more here!
Blog 1: Identity as a Carer
By Prudence Granger | 3 March 2023
How one identifies themselves from day-to-day has become such an integral piece of social understanding. From what you do, to your gender, what you wear, who you socialise with, your hobbies, your career, your sexuality, the list is endless. But for some people, one overarching element overshadows all other elements, and this is often the case for those who identify as a ‘carer’.
External Link Read more here!
