Jennifer Tanner shares her personal experience of becoming a carer , through an occupational therapy lens .
T here is no doubt that 2020 and 2021 were difficult for everyone , with the onset of national lockdowns , increases in hospital admissions and positive COVID cases , as well as deaths .
In the midst of all this , I decided to add additional pressure on myself by changing jobs , moving from adult social care back to the NHS within a specialist neurological centre . I missed the rehabilitation and have always had a keen interest in neurological practice , having been a member of the RCOT Specialist Section – Neurological Practice since qualifying in 2013 .
However , I didn ’ t fully appreciate how challenging learning a new role would be alongside the ever-changing guidance from the government , as well as service developments .
In addition to these professional challenges , I also encountered the greatest personal challenge I have ever faced ; my knowledge and skills as an occupational therapist were invaluable .
I came to the UK in 1993 from Australia , eventually marrying and settling in Oxfordshire and going on to have a family .
Although it was difficult being so far away from my parents , siblings and extended family , we talked regularly and visited when we could .
I had built my own life and career in the
UK and they respected that .
In 2017 , my parents visited us in the UK and it was during this stay that I started having concerns about my mother ’ s health , as she was increasingly breathless , but she kept saying it was asthma .
I managed to convince her to go and see her GP on her return to Australia . This is where the journey of tests , x-rays , scans and onward specialist referrals began , which ultimately resulted in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis .
However , my mother struggled to come to terms with this terminal diagnosis and didn ’ t tell anyone – not even my father initially . It was only through my inquisitive questioning , ‘ information gathering and initial interview technique ’, that she opened-up about her devastating diagnosis and consented to me chatting with my siblings to enable us to all support each other , while ensuring she had choice and control over future decisions .
It felt natural having these conversations , but I reflect now and realise I was in ‘ professional mode ’ to protect myself from feeling the full impact as her ‘ daughter ’.
I visited Australia with family over Christmas 2019 , and no amount of virtual conversations could have prepared me for the reality of what I faced . Formerly independent and very active , belonging to various committees and environmental groups , my mum was now using a four-wheeled walker and portable oxygen , she had lost a lot of weight and looked frail .
Although we made the most of our time together , it ’ s always hard returning to the UK , but even more so in these circumstances .
On my return I continued to stay in close contact with my parents and siblings as well as emailing the pulmonary specialist and respiratory nurses , who provided evidence of exceptional circumstances for travel .
Unfortunately my father in-law passed away in June and although we were all grieving his