Follow us: hu Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244 Donate Home About brain injury Individuals Brain injury and me Caring for carers Share your story Share your story with us to help others affected by brain injury Caring for Carers Don't expect carers to ask for help Watch the story Will and Amy Perringwood met in Dublin on Valentine's Day 2012 and their love quickly blossomed. But only a year later Will sustained a brain injury and Amy was no longer just his girlfriend, but his carer too. The couple took the big step of moving in together and Amy found herself coping with a whole new world of responsibilities. "I was only 22 so it was the first time I was coming across sorting out all the bills by myself, banking, and budgeting," she said. "I had to sort out all of Will's benefits, that was the most stressful thing because none of us had done that before. I got a few things wrong and Will missed out on three months' worth of pay." Not only was the paperwork challenging, Amy also found dealing with Will's brain injury frustrating. She said: "You're still only human. A few times I would have to take a step back and say 'I'm not angry at Will, I'm angry at Will's brain injury.' If it wasn't for the support she had from her parents, in-laws and friends, Amy says she wouldn't have been able to cope. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without them. Even just having someone on the end of the phone is a life line for you." Amy's friends supported her without question, and she is encouraging friends of other carers to do the same. She said: "Don't expect carers to ask for help. People who are caring people don't necessarily care for themselves very well. "Go around and make them tea. You're the guest but you'll make them feel you're looking after them. It doesn't have to be overboard, just little things. Back to stories index Caring If you are caring for someone with a brain injury or have a relative being treated in hospital, this section will help you to meet the challenges ahead and find the support you need. Find out more Caring for Carers The effects of brain injury can be just as devastating for families as it is for individuals. It can change relationships in an instant, turning partners into carers and transforming the lives of enti... Find out more In your area Find brain injury support in your area by searching our directory of local Headway groups and branches, specialist solicitors, approved care providers and charity shops. Find out more Friends of Headway Individual membership Join/Renew Contact Us t: 0115 924 0800 e: enquiries@headway.org.uk Help us improve life after brain injury. Donate Improving life after brain injury 0808 800 2244 Call our free helpline 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email helpline@headway.org.uk Join our online Community 27k Likes 25k Followers 3k Subscribers Privacy policy Cookies Terms & Conditions Accessibility Contact Us Resource centre Find a Headway Approved care providers Charity shops Fundraising comments, feedback and complaints Vacancies Join our mailing list Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893. © Copyright Headway 2021 - Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker By clicking 'Accept All Cookies’ you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. This will help us to offer the best possible experience and develop more of the information you need. Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings