BBC Radio Shetland

Who Cares?

Who Cares?: Episode 2: Iona Shanks

Factual: Families & Relationships

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Iona Shanks

Episode 2

Episode 2: Iona Shanks

BBC Radio Scotland - Who Cares?, Iona Shanks

Iona Shanks talks about what it is like to be a young carer for her mother.

Three people talk about the impact of suddenly becoming the primary carer for a family member. Iona Shanks, who cares for her mother, shares her story.

What would you do if your niece, sister, grandchild or even parent needed you? Really needed you. Most of us would want to help but what if that need meant a massive impact on your own life - your work life, social life and home life, mental health even? Would you still be able to do it? How would you cope with the psychological impact and guilt of saying 'no' and how would you cope with the psychological challenge and personal turmoil of saying 'yes'? In 'Who Cares?' we hear 3 compelling, uplifting and sometimes heart breaking stories of people who have ended up being the primary carer for another family member. This week we hear from Iona. Her mum has renal failure and has to go for dialysis three times a week which leaves her tired, weak and prone to infections and bouts of illness. Iona steps up and takes charge of the house, everything from the domestic duties and paying the bills as well as looking after her mum her sister Sophie.

BBC Radio Scotland

Three people talk about the impact of suddenly becoming the primary carer for a relative.

Three people talk about the impact of suddenly becoming the primary carer for a family member and the psychological challenge it involves.

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Who Cares?

Episode 2: Iona Shanks

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