As a Carer, how have I coped? Firstly, it would seem that here in New Zealand we enjoy a higher level of Government support than do most, so I have probably found the job a little easier than have many CALS. For instance: from the date of my first wife's diagnosis we had "as required" visits from the local Community Nurse through whom we had access to many of the services which we eventually required. As the disease progressed we had home care assistance, reaching a peak of 16 hrs per week towards the end.
Jilly, my second wife, (who is a long term PALS), and living alone since she drove her very reluctant children out into the world to university and beyond, had 6 day, 24 hr care for 5 or 6 years before entrapping me. This has been reduced to 28 hrs weekly since my entrapment (a joke my dearest). In addition I, as principal Carer, have funding made available to allow 28 days per annum 'respite care'. Certain equipment is also available but the 'red tape' requirements often try ones patience too much. On the other hand I, a 66 yr old superannuitant, have had my pension reduced by 20% as a result of marrying a younger woman. Thus bureaucracy penalizes a dirty old man’s urges. No health subsidy on Viagra either!
