Number Eighteen, in the corner

Blog Posts

  • Centenarian cheer

    The post reflects a sense of gloominess due to bad weather and news, yet highlights uplifting moments shared with a comedic centenarian grandmother. Through humorous and poignant exchanges, the author captures the quirks of their relationship, navigating her grandma’s interpretations of modern life and maintaining a joyful outlook amidst challenges.

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  • No-Ledge

    The writer recounts the challenges of caring for their grandmother amidst numerous distractions, highlighting the deep knowledge carers have about those they support. Despite their insights, carers often feel undervalued and ignored by healthcare professionals. The need for their voices to be heard in discussions about care reform is emphasised, showcasing their unique perspective.

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  • Anxiety trip

    My eyes darted to my phone as a reminder on the screen popped up: GM docs 8.45 Friday/ urine sample. Eugh, yes I know…god I even annoy myself! I thought. This reminder is to tell me that grandma has a check up at the doctor’s surgery on Friday morning, they are going to do a…

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  • Costly anniversary

    The author reflects on six years of caring for their grandmother, expressing feelings of entrapment and loss. Despite others seeing beauty in caregiving, they struggle with loneliness, exhaustion, and diminished self-worth. They argue against romanticising care, highlighting the personal sacrifices made and the societal neglect of caregivers’ needs.

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  • So, did it matter?

    The BBC’s Caring Matters week aimed to highlight the experiences of carers in the UK, featuring programming like ‘Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together’. However, the documentary primarily focused on paid carers, glossing over the harsh realities faced by unpaid carers. Although it raised awareness, it failed to address systemic issues or offer substantive solutions, leaving many…

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  • Shitty weekend

    The post details a carer’s exhausting weekend spent managing their 101-year-old grandmother’s health crisis after being inadequately ‘looked after’ by their father. The carer faces logistical challenges in obtaining medical supplies and navigating the NHS, highlighting the isolation and stress experienced by caregivers while juggling personal and professional responsibilities.

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