Carers Week: Millions of Reasons to Care
13-19 October 2024
In recognition of the Carers Australia national theme 'Millions of Reasons to Care', BrainLink will promote stories that showcase many of those reasons throughout the week.
BrainLink’s message is to take time out from your caring role, keep active and stay socially connected and we can help you do all of that.
Learn more about Carers Week
Margaret's story
My name is Margaret , and my life took a dramatic turn in October 1995. It was then that my son, Byron, suffered a devastating car accident, resulting in an acquired brain injury that changed everything for us.
At that time, Byron was only in his 20s, working in his father’s plumbing business. He was full of life, dreams, and ambitions. The crash was a harsh lesson in vulnerability, and it shattered our family in ways I am still coming to terms with.
Caring for Byron has altered the course of my life completely. My husband, who passed away 20 years ago, struggled to accept what had happened to our son. For him, Byron’s accident was an insurmountable loss—one that he couldn’t reconcile with the reality of daily life. After my husband’s passing, the responsibility of caring for Byron fell solely on my shoulders. My other son and daughter have their own lives, families, and responsibilities now. Sometimes I feel a twinge of envy when I see them moving forward, while I remain in this heavy yet vital role.
This caring journey isn’t always easy, but I’ve discovered ways to cope. All my life, I’ve prioritized exercise, and now more than ever, it’s essential. With Byron in a wheelchair permanently, I’ve had to keep my strength up for transfers and daily tasks. I cherish the moments when Byron has caregivers throughout the day—it gives me the time I need to go to the gym. It’s a space where I can not only work on my physical health, but also engage with familiar faces. The camaraderie with fellow gym-goers brings me a sense of community that I deeply appreciate.
I’m lucky to have a close girlfriend who understands the toll of caregiving. She organizes outings for us every once in a while, providing me with precious moments of joy and respite. Additionally, I remain active with Brainlink, which offers various activities for carers. They keep me informed about events designed to support us—simple yet vital opportunities that remind me I am not alone on this journey.
For anyone who is new to this carer role, I have a bit of advice: don’t forget to take time for yourself whenever you can. Caring for a loved one requires an immense amount of energy, both physically and emotionally. It’s crucial to ensure that their life is well-organized—this includes managing finances and personal care. I have seen other families disintegrate under pressure. Some family members have sustained serious consequences, even ending up in rehab after critical situations. The reality is, without the support of the family, proper care can falter, and that’s a fate I have always wanted to avoid for Byron.
Caring for someone you love can feel overwhelming at times, but it also brings about immense growth and a unique perspective on life. I’ve learned to cherish the small victories and the moments of clarity amidst the chaos. My path may not align with the typical blueprint of life, but it is mine, filled with love, challenges, and resilience.