National
Advice & Support Team, Care
Ian’s story
Ian’s wife, Sheila, has early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as osteoporosis.
This has left her highly dependent on her husband to help her with everyday activities. Unfortunately, Ian has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment.
“My treatment made providing round-the-clock care for Sheila even more difficult. I gave the MCF a call to see if there was anything they could do.
“We’d applied for respite care through the local council, but the grant they offered us wasn’t enough to afford suitable care. This was disheartening, so when I called the MCF and they offered to send a member of their Advice & Support Team (AST), I was thrilled.
Judy from the AST came to visit and supported us through our application. The MCF soon came back to us and gave us a grant for six weeks of respite care which we can use whenever we need it.
“Having the option of respite care there really takes away the tension of being a carer and helps us both to feel more relaxed. Knowing that that support is there if we need it helps us through the difficult times.
“I cannot thank the MCF enough for giving us the gift of being able to focus on other important things.”
