MIKE Warrell-Davies cares fulltime for his wife Liz who has multiple sclerosis.
They met 27 years ago, and as Liz’s illness progressed, Mike set up a studio at home so he could continue his work as a film producer while caring for her.
“The biggest challenge with this disease is it’s so unpredictable, so we can’t make any plans,” Mike said.
“It varies a great deal from day to day.”
This has not stopped the couple from enjoying an active life well into their seventies.
“We both love singing and are in the Caring Choir, which is a choir of carers and those they care for,” Mike said.
“We practice weekly and perform at disability events and aged care homes.”
The couple have also taken on volunteering roles and have provided support to others by sharing their own experiences through the Weavers program that offers support to carers.
Liz has also volunteered teaching English as a second language.
As the couple can’t go out as much as they used to, Mike has taken on things to do at home. He has built a workshop where he makes furniture, is learning to play the cello and has a wonderful vegetable garden.
Mike readily admits that what gets them through is the strength of their relationship. “Our closeness is what defines us.”
So many take on caring role
Unpaid carers contribute enormously to our communities – and their role will be celebrated across Australia during National Carers Week from October 15-21.
Based on an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of disability, ageing and carers, and Carers SA research, there are 245,000 unpaid carers in SA, 45 per cent of them aged between 45 and 64.
Of all carers, nearly a third (31 per cent) provide more than 40 hours of care a week, with just under half (47 per cent) providing up to 20 hours of care a week.
Adelaide hosted the seventh International Carers Conference – Caring into the Future: the new world? from October 4-7. The conference focused on innovation, partnerships, future challenges and new opportunities.
Carers SA, 1800-242-636, www.carers-sa.asn.au
