Carers’ skills and qualities

From being a carer I’ve become more understanding. I problem solve and I adapt more. I’ve had to be more understanding and I’ve had to learn to read between the lines because especially with my mother. In terms of my partner it’s quite different. My mum was quite mentally draining for me to look after but he’s more physical. So the skills I’ve used for him are different, that is, more organisation. I take him, I come in for his appointments, I have him transfer…there’s a little bit of I have to be supportive and encouraging because he gets a bit down because he struggles and his muscles…he has weaker days and things and he gets upset over it, and so I’ve had to become more…I’ve become more positive to try and say ‘well, look what you have got’.