SMITA Jain describes living through lockdown as a carer for her husband as “challenging” and “difficult.“
Two years ago, her husband Vivek was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
MND is a condition where cells in the brain and nerves gradually stop working.
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown, Smita had to quit her full-time job and care for her husband.
Throughout the lockdown, the couple had to follow strict shielding rules and order groceries online. “I was avoiding in-store shopping and ordered grocery online. We would wash all the packages outside before bringing them inside.”
“Anytime I left the house, I had to wear two masks and a face shield. I was taking extra precautions for Vivek because he was at high risk of contracting the virus,” she recalls.
During the first lockdown, the couple was anxious to hire a full-time carer as Vivek was at high risk of catching the virus.
Smita described the situation as scary; and said: “I was worried about catching the virus because everyone told us if my husband contracts the virus, it will be difficult for him to survive because of his poor lung function.”
Vivek managed to receive regular online consultation meetings through NHS assistance, where he could discuss his treatment and physical therapy.
After receiving both doses of her vaccine, Smita plans to go back to work full-time, and Vivek is waiting for his second dose.
UK’s only national membership charity for carers, Carer UK, on their website posted: “At times like this, it is very hard when you are continually being asked to go above and beyond. We recognise that caring during lockdown can take its toll both on you, as the carer, as well as the person you are caring for.”
If you are struggling, Carer UK has put together some ideas to help lift your mood and other ways to keep yourself active.
By Shivalika Puri (@shivalikapuri)
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