The Carers’ Resource mark Carers’ Rights Day

Mr and Mrs Akhtar got some timely advice from Community Matron Lynn Mason at The Carer’s Resource during Carers’ Rights Day

Tasneen Akhtar, whose husband is battling a rare degenerative brain disease, attended The Carers’ Resource event to mark Carers’ Rights Day, a national celebration to honour the efforts of the seven million people in the UK who regularly care for a friend, neighbour or loved one. Census data shows that around 23,000 people in Rochdale borough are carers.

Tasneen’s husband Munir has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare condition affecting only 1,000 people in the UK.

Over time, people with the disease lose their ability to walk, talk, see or swallow. Those living with the illness understand everything that is going on around them, but can’t find the words to express themselves and contribute to conversations.

The event saw carers pick up information from experts on a range of issues including housing, health, assistive technology (to help people stay in their home for longer) and crime prevention. Visitors also enjoyed health checks, refreshments and relaxing massages.

Tasneen said: “We first realised that Munir had a problem when he started falling over and forgetting things all the time. This condition is often confused with dementia and Parkinson’s and our GP hadn’t even heard of it.

“It’s a horrible illness. My husband is a totally different person to the one I used to know as his personality is now quite changed. It’s also very tiring looking after him because he needs help with day-to-day things like washing and getting ready for bed.

“The Carers’ Resource has been really helpful because we’ve never needed help before, so I had no idea what support was available or who to ask. Through information I picked up at The Carer’s Resource, I now have a carer coming in to help me with Munir and it’s been such a big help. I also received Carers’ Allowance for a time before I qualified for my pension, which I wouldn’t have realised I was entitled to. Coming here also makes you realise that you’re not on your own.”