A Bedford mother's urging the next government to better support carers
She provides around-the-clock care for her disabled son
The mum of a 19-year-old from Bedford is among many carers across the country who're struggling to make ends meet, and is urging the next government to better support carers.
With a week to go until the results from the General Election are announced, Lorraine is issuing a plea to all political parties for more money to be invested in care.
Lorraine has spent the past six years caring full-time for her 19-year-old son, Mickey, who suffers from chronic pain and limited mobility due to a damaged nerve syndrome diagnosed when he was 13.
Lorraine now provides 24-hour care, seven days a week, assisting with tasks many take for granted, such as cooking and bathing.
"...it's just extremely soul destroying."
Speaking to Greatest hits Radio, she said: "As a collective group we we save billions of pounds and we should be recognised for that, not treated like a second rate citizen."
"All of us carers deserve a little bit more respect, it's just extremely soul destroying."
Before caring for Mickey, Lorraine was already a carer for her older son, who is autistic.
The increased demands forced her to focus solely on Mickey, while leaving her previous employment to focus on care duties.
After 19 years in her current home, her landlady has put the property up for sale, leaving Lorraine on a month-to-month lease with no stability or guarantee for the future.
"...we just don't get paid enough money to make it work. Simple as that."
And with only £81 per week in carer's allowance, she is having to choose between putting food on the table and paying for overdue bills, with the prospect of eviction.
She said: "They need to financially support the carers a lot more, 81 pounds a week for 60 hours a week, that's a joke. Carers should be paid more so we can manage without having to rely on handouts from family or food banks and keep our pride intact."
"The system at the moment isn't working because we just don't get paid enough money to make it work. Simple as that."
While her son receives a disability allowance, his future could be at stake with current financial pressures, which on occasion forces them to use some of the funds immediately.
Both have been relying on local help from charities, including Carers In Beds, who have been supporting Lorraine through mental health challenges.
Lorraine is urging the next government to prioritise carers and their wellbeing, as well as the people being cared for.