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Cambridgeshire unpaid carer shares his experience as county council prepares new support strategy
Overview
John Maxwell, a 74-year-old from Soham, Cambridgeshire, became his wife Carole's full-time carer after she suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage. Although initially terrified of his new responsibilities, John found valuable support through community groups and the Caring Together charity. Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire County Council is preparing to approve a new All-Age Carers Strategy to help identify unpaid carers earlier and prevent them from reaching crisis point, as census data shows over 52,000 people in the county provide unpaid care.
Key points
- John Maxwell became a full-time carer for his wife Carole after a brain haemorrhage and stroke left her with epilepsy and changed needs.
- John initially felt terrified when bringing his wife home but found community support and local groups, such as Caring Together, vital for maintaining a social life.
- Cambridgeshire County Council is preparing a refreshed All-Age Carers Strategy focused on identifying unpaid carers earlier and improving access to information.
- Census data from 2021 shows that more than 52,000 people in Cambridgeshire provide unpaid care.
- Charities note that many carers remain hidden because they do not recognise themselves as carers until they reach breaking point.