Carers

Abstract

More often than not, carers remain the mainstay for individuals with long-term neurological conditions, especially when nearing end of life. Carers anchor those they care for throughout the length of a neurological disease, which may swiftly fatal or protractedly uncertain over a long time. Carers work long hours and are adept at multi-tasking. What they most long for is time to rest and recuperate. They invest their best in caring, combining responsibility with sensitivity to needs of others, and offering hope and support. Without carers, hospitals and care homes would be overwhelmed with patients. Carers and patients undoubtedly benefit from the input of medical and social care professionals who understand the distinct needs, differences, variabilities, challenges and suffering that may destroy not only physical well-being but also alter the personality of some people with certain neurological diseases. The burden of care is heavy for all involved, voluntary and professional. There are tremendous benefits to care-giving whenever professionals work closely with patients and carers, involving the latter as valuable members of a multi-disciplinary team of colleagues, who pool expertise and prize mutual care.