I’m Finley, I’m 11 years old, and I help look after my mum, Emily. My mum suffers from various health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and I help support her with her day-to-day activities.
I’ve recently talked to people a bit more about what I do at home, I didn’t really think I did anything different to other children, but mum, dad and other people have told me I’m a young carer. To me, what I do is what all children do for their parents.
How I help my mum
On a normal day, I get myself and my 7-year-old brother, Noah up in the morning and go and make our breakfasts. If mum’s having a difficult day, then I help her dress. She can struggle to put her socks on when she can’t bend properly and can find things like buttons and clasps difficult to do up when her hands are particularly bad. I’ve even had to help her put her bra on in the past.
When I’m not at school, I will fetch and carry things to mum to save her having to get up. I’ll also make her a cup of tea if she’s feeling particularly worn out and will take our dog out for a walk to save mum from having to do that too.
I do other things around the home as well, things like shifting the washing baskets around the house so that mum doesn’t have to pick them up and putting the washing on. I have also started to cook more and make dinners from time-to-time. Mum and dad have also been teaching me some first aid so I can help with that if there’s a problem at home.
When mum’s in hospital
Mum can be in and out of hospital. I find it hard to come home on days when I know she’s in there, rather than at home. I try and take my mind off things by taking our dog out or playing on computer games.
I have met some other young carers at events. We’ve done bushcraft activities and other fun events which can help take my mind off things. It also helps me to realise I’m not alone and that there are other people like me.
If you are a young carer and are looking for support, please contact us on 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
