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Growing Isolation For Marjory

Marjory Rayner, who is blind and cares for her husband, Hugh, who has Alzheimer's disease.

Eighty-four-year-old Marjory Rayner is blind and cares for her husband, Hugh, who has Alzheimer’s disease. They met at a ball in Bath, whenMarjory was a nurse at the Royal United Hospital, and have been married for 42 years.

“We used to love ballroom dancing together, but have had to stop as Hugh can no longer drive which is depressing for us both,” explained Marjory. “We care for each other, he is my eyes and I have to remember everything for both of us; it’s a real struggle.”

Marjory has been getting help from the Carers’ Centre for the past 18 months, and receives extra support through its befriending service. “I have a monthly visit from volunteer Enid Green, she has become a good friend and such a help to me,” said Marjory. “Hugh and I also go to the Two’s Company events together, which gives us the chance to get out of the house, meet new people and have a break.”

“Sometimes I feel like my life is finished now,” said Marjory sadly. “I can’t get out easily, my friends can’t visit anymore and I can’t even have a conversation with Hugh as he can never remember anything. It drives me round the bend to be here with him all day. I get frustrated and very down.”

To help her feelings of isolation, Marjory has joined the Carers’ Centre Bath Peer Support Group, bringing carers together for mutual help and support. “It’s good to hear other’s problems and to be able to just talk – it gets it all out of my system and I realise I am not alone in being a carer.”