"My parents’ health started to fail.
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and then my mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia and needed more support too.
Along with my sister. I’ve been caring for my parents for four years. Sadly we lost my dad last year and have since been full-time carers for my mum, who is unable to do a lot of things for herself now and needs a lot of support – both mentally and physically.
NAViGO and Focus have supported us so well. My mum has attended many of the days out and groups run by NAViGO, and I have too! I found the groups a great support as there are a lot of people in the same position as myself, so there is a lot of like-minded chat from people that know what you are going through.
Some may think that being a carer for someone you love is hard work. I won’t lie – it is at times – but there are also lots of people to help you and talk to when you’re having a bad day.
NAViGO is like an extended family really, and a service we couldn’t do without."