Kate Garraway-Caring For Derek

It's so sad to see him. A lot of the photos of him, close up, looks as though he is in such pain. I haven't seen either of the documentaries because I would find it too traumatic. I lost my mum last summer after looking after her for 16 months as Alzheimers took it toll. I used to pray most nights to my dad, who died 10 years ago, that as we knew what the outcome would be, for him to take her sooner rather than later so she would not have to suffer for a long time. I still get flashbacks from time to time of her in pain.
I seem to remember it being said that Derek had to have a tracheotomy when he was in a coma which probably means he is non verbal. Kate is an absolute Rock but maybe Derek might not want to stay years in this situation. It's an impossible position to be in.

I'm sure the programme would have been called 'Caring for Mr. Garraway' if it was so important to be formal.

It's usual to refer to strangers by their surnames, isn't it, particularly in writing (ie when we haven't been introduced so that we know how they prefer to be addressed )?

Well, I've never come across it for women, except at school where boys were referred to by their surnames only and after I joined Gransnet where certain female politicians are referred to by their surnames by those who dislike them.

Anyone who is caring for a seriously incapacitated person will need to make decisions on their behalf at some point.
We trust (and it is glaringly obvious in this case) that it is done with the persons best interests at heart.

There were heartfelt moments in the program that very much showed that Derek was engaged and has some joyful times despite the limitations Covid has left him with. For those moments alone it was worth watching. I really feel for them and so many other families coping with changes that have such an impact on daily life even if they are not caused by Covid and increasing awareness in my opinion can only be a good thing.

Mummer

Gwyneth

I didn’t watch it because I felt very uncomfortable at the time when they were showing him in hospital and he didn’t appear to be able to give consent for this. As I said in my previous post presumably he was able to give his consent for the programme.

How strange it is that some people-like you-are still in the business of trying to be a know all and criticise things of which they know precisely nothing? How old are you anyway? Your mindset is that of someone living in a box stuffed in a drawer in a 1930s terrace! Nasty

What a very odd and nasty response Mummer. I haven’t watched either programme, but from what I know about Derek and Kate’s situation I think she appears to have coped marvellously and he is very lucky to have her. I’m sure she has done a lot to highlight the difficulties carers face and I agree that she has done no harm in continuing to publicise Derek’s ongoing struggles.

At the same time I think it’s perfectly reasonable to feel uneasy about his participation in these programmes when there might have been some question about his capacity to give consent, certainly in the earlier stages of his illness. I would hope that if I was ever in a similar situation my privacy would be protected, no matter how worthy the cause. Perhaps Kate felt she knew enough of Derek’s wishes to feel confident that he would be happy with her decisions, but the fact remains that there is always some danger in making that decision on behalf of someone else.

An amazing woman who needs support and good wishes, not back biting.

so now we have posts wanting carers to be silenced, unbelievable

inishowen

Anyone who refers to Kate as "Garraway" is just bad mannered. Watch the programme before judging her. I'll say no more as I'm so annoyed with a certain poster.

Why do you think this? It's usual to refer to strangers by their surnames, isn't it, particularly in writing (ie when we haven't been introduced so that we know how they prefer to be addressed)? I find it ill-mannered to call people you don't know by their given names, really - it seems more presumptuous.

Either way, I don't see it as being indicative of judgement, or of not having watched the programme.

I think Kate has highlighted the difficulties that we carers find ourselves in.

We are told that this that and the other is available to help us manage what should be managed by nursing professionals.

My experience is that this that and the other are few and far between. To be honest I’m shocked at how very little there is available to help my husband three years down the line from diagnosis..
Thanks Kate you’re a brave and caring woman.

Agree with what Callistemon has written.
We just have no idea what some people are suffering and coping with. It's very sad.

To each his own .
My heart goes to those who care for the suffering, continue to do so, unlike Kate Garroway, in silence.
You are well and truly the Florence Nightingales of the modern world.

Gwyneth

I didn’t watch it because I felt very uncomfortable at the time when they were showing him in hospital and he didn’t appear to be able to give consent for this. As I said in my previous post presumably he was able to give his consent for the programme.

How strange it is that some people-like you-are still in the business of trying to be a know all and criticise things of which they know precisely nothing? How old are you anyway? Your mindset is that of someone living in a box stuffed in a drawer in a 1930s terrace! Nasty

I thought she'd visited another woman but then wondered if I'd got it mixed up with another program

She visited another woman whose husband is suffering from Long Covid too and that woman was part of the programme.

Why Kate Garraway?
Because she is an experienced journalist who is showing us her family's situation to make everyone more aware of the devastating effects of Covid on some people who survive.
Because she needs to carry on with her career as she is now the sole breadwinner.
Because she is highlighting the inadequacies of the care system.

No one is interested in carers, no one cares that they struggle. The people who think we should 'just get on with it' and 'look after are* own' shout the loudest

*sic

4allweknow

There are surely others in similar situations. Why a programme with Kate Garraway?

*wh Kate Garroway....
I should have thought that was obvious! we've all heard of her.

Obvious also that * there are others in similar situation*

I don't know of any myself though

win

Kate will have done more for Unpaid Carers during that programme than all the Carers support Groups and charities have done previously. There are so many Unpaid carers whose voices are never heard, they are the forgotten thousands who save the country billions every year. The Government ignores us in everything they do. We are all very grateful to Kate for bringing Carers to the front and making people more aware of the difficulties Unpaid Carers face.

Some of these carers are children too, caring for disabled parents.

We need to fund better care and if this programme highlights the problems faced by families who are struggling, even if finances permit paying for care, it can only be a good thing.

I think the way Kate Garroway has held everything together is amazing and only to be admired. Her children obviously adore her and Derek, she has kept the family united, kept her job, accepted help from delightful carers, and clearly took on board what Ben Shepherd said about burning herself out, I just hope she employs a laundry company to deal with the mountains of washing! All credit to her and her charming family.

I think the answer to 'Why Kate Garraway?' is that a lot of people know her and will watch because she is well known. Hopefully it will help some people.

Anyone who refers to Kate as "Garraway" is just bad mannered. Watch the programme before judging her. I'll say no more as I'm so annoyed with a certain poster.

Watched this programme last night, it was so sad to watch, Kate is a true marvel in these circumstances. I don’t expect any of them would have wanted this, of course the children want their dad back how he was & Kate with her husband how he used to be, but in unfortunate situation that derek is in, it’s good that Kate knows the job she does well as presenting, you can see that she is suffering and sad but she is doing all she can do with hope, love, to get derek back. I don’t think she’s in it for her own career. May god bless this family, and derek can improve more day by day.

why not ?

There are surely others in similar situations. Why a programme with Kate Garraway?

I think she is walking a difficult path but the filming may help others but others will not have capacity to get treatment beyond what the NHS can offer.