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Tough Life For Roger

Roger Bowring with his wife, Steph

Caring for his wife, working part-time in a care home and looking after his teenage son means Roger Bowring lives a complicated life. Combine all this with a learning disability and it’s easy to see why Roger sometimes feels frustrated.

“I worry a lot about work and looking after Steph and Liam,” he explained. “Steph’s got to have a heart operation next month and I don’t know how I’ll manage going to work when I’m needed here to look after her.”

Steph and Roger met when they were just 7 at their local special needs school and have been together for the last 37 years. Their son Liam is now 14.

“Liam is a clever boy and helps a lot. He’s doing really well at school.” said Roger, smiling. “We also have volunteers come to the house each week to help us to understand our post and pay bills.”

“I wouldn’t be able to manage without Roger,” said Steph. “He does all the housework and the cooking and looks after me. I have scoliosis which means walking and getting about is difficult. I have a heart condition and problems with my hip too, so I need a lot of looking after.”

 “Everything is a struggle and I get really frustrated sometimes,” added Roger. “The Carers’ Centre have helped me with free counselling which has made me feel better. I’m now going to the gym every week through Give Us A Break and it’s brilliant. I switch off from caring and have a bit of time to look after myself.”

Roger receives support from the Carers’ Centre’s service for carers with  learning disabilities. If you would like more information, or need help, please contact the Centre.