Hello everybody, new here. Like newborn new. Any live in carers out there that can actually tell to me about how difficult it is to care for someone when your own need care? I’m Portuguese, I moved to England a few years ago. I made England my home. I met my partner here and we built a little life together. We own a flat in the south and I do three to four weeks placements and then have a few weeks off to myself and him. It works fine. But we’re not getting any younger are we? Am I the only one who feels like I’m missing my own life with a feeling of “guilt”? And it’s not just about my partner. My mom’s has been diagnosed with cancer December last. She’s not coping well with chemo and is going through a hard time. Again the same feeling. “Guilt”. I’m not even sure if that’s the right feeling. It’s something in between feeling guilty and feeling I’m being selfish. Shouldn’t I be there with her? But then, this was the life I chose. Caring is what I do. What I’m good at. What I like doing. But sometimes it’s so hard. If you read this message until here, thank you! I’m a bit tired of talking to the walls. Hence the creation of my space. 🙏🏼

🌸 Welcome, Roxana 🌸 I’m really glad you’re here. This space was created especially for live-in carers, people who give so much of themselves, often quietly and without enough support. This is a place to: • feel understood • share real experiences • learn and grow together • and know you’re not alone You’re very welcome to introduce yourself! No pressure at all. This is a gentle space. 🤍 You’re here from the very beginning — thank you.

Moments like this remind me why this work matters 🤍 Two years ago, when I was training carers, I spent just two weeks with this amazing person at the very start of her journey. Today, she took the time to say: “You were the first professional who trained me… thank you.” That might seem small, but in care work, how someone starts shapes how they care for others for years. Training isn’t just about tasks or checklists. It’s about: - confidence - dignity - standards - and believing “I can do this well” To every carer who shows up with heart, and to everyone here who wants to raise the bar in care — this is why we do it. Proud. Grateful. And still committed to doing this the right way 🙏

Welcome If you’re here, chances are you’re doing one of the hardest jobs there is — caring for someone day and night, often in someone else’s home, often far from your own. This community was created for live-in carers who: - Stay when others leave - Hold routines together quietly - Carry responsibility that doesn’t clock off - And rarely get asked how they are doing Carers Who Stay is a space for you. Here, you don’t need to explain what a broken night feels like. You don’t need to justify needing rest. You don’t need to pretend you’re “fine” when you’re tired. This is a place for: - Real care notes & professional growth - Emotional support without judgement - Boundaries, burnout prevention, and sanity - Shared experience from people who truly understand Confidentiality matters here — no names, no identifying details. Start by introducing yourself (only what you’re comfortable sharing): - How long you’ve been a live-in carer - What you find hardest about the role - One thing you wish people understood about live-in care You are not invisible here. You are not “just the carer.” You are seen, valued, and supported. Thank you for staying. Patricia — Carers Who Stay 💛 Here’s a little pole to start. What’s your favourite part of the job?