Philip’s story: caravan adventures

Philip’s story: caravan adventures

Philip cares for his wife, Cath, who is living with dementia amongst other health conditions. While he is dedicated to supporting her every day, the demands of caring can often leave him feeling physically and emotionally exhausted.

When speaking with his local carers' centre about ways they could support him, Philip was clear about one thing: any break he took would be with Cath. The thought of spending time apart did not appeal to him. For Philip, the most important thing was being able to enjoy quality time together and create positive memories while they could.

"Spending time with Cath is the only thing that I want to do. Caring is exhausting, but she is my wife and the memories of us together mean so much to me."

Through a Time to Live microgrant, the carers' centre was able to support Philip and Cath with a 3-night stay in a caravan in St Andrews. The break provided them with the opportunity to step away from the daily routine of caring and enjoy time together in a place that holds special meaning for them. The centre also provided a voucher for a local café, allowing them to enjoy lunch together during their stay.

Their trip was filled with simple pleasures walking together, talking, reflecting on shared memories, and revisiting a place they have loved throughout their relationship.

"Cath and I had a relaxing time away from home. We walked a lot, which we love, and spent time talking and remembering. St Andrews is a place we've always loved to visit. I know that caring will become more difficult in the future, so I can hold on to times like these when things get tough."

Philip recognises that his caring responsibilities are likely to increase as Cath's condition progresses. However, through his experience of accessing the Time to Live grant, he has developed a trusting relationship with the carers' centre and feels more confident about seeking support when he needs it.

One of the things that stood out most to Philip was that the support was centred around what mattered to him. By listening carefully to Philip's wishes and helping him achieve a break that worked for both him and Cath, the Time to Live grant provided far more than a holiday. It gave them valuable time together, helped reduce the pressures of caring, and created cherished memories that Philip will hold onto for years to come.

Find out more about Time to Live here.