Sunday 22 February 2009

Pensioner Pisces Parties

I have been inudated with flowers, cards, chocolates and a watercolour of 3 fancy goldfish for my 60th birthday. The DWP also sent me a letter to tell me that my pension would be paid into my bank account on the following Monday. The DWP Carers Section sent me a letter to tell me that my Carer's Allowance will cease. But that I will contine to have an 'underlying entitlement' to Carer's Allowance. Thanks.

MyMan made a noble effort to celebrate the day. The effort took a lot out of him. I found it exhausting watching him. But I appreciated his attempt. It's just that I could see what it was doing to himand it upset me.

A friend said I couldn't be allowed to not celebrate the day. She arranged an afternoon tea party for me. Sadly it was a struggle for her too. She was distracted and tense as her husband was unwell. In the event he had a dizzy turn and dropped the tray of champagne filled glasses. Unusually for him he retired to bed. It was the first time she had entertained guests while she was so worried about her man. She said the time passed in a blur and she could remember very little. She partied on autopilot. I know the feeling. That's why I rarely arrange social events at home. Stress on top of stress is just unbearable.

The silver lining is that I now have one local friend who has had a taste of what it is like to be a carer. And why I have ceased entertaining at home.

6 comments:

Maz said...

Happy birthday!
Caring is never easy is it? we just keep on going as best we can.

You've mentioned one of my pet hates I'm afraid!
It irritates the hell out of me the injustice of Carers who upon retirement lose all rights to their Carers Allowance although they must keep on caring.
This one makes me so mad,I pray is changes soon !!

maz x

ADDY said...

A belated Happy Birthday.

Penny Pincher said...

Thank you Maz, and you too Rosiero

elanor said...

happy belated birthday, I hope you had a good day and got a chance to do something nice for yourself, it's very unfair that the carers allowance stops when you turn 60.

merry weather said...

Happy Birthday X

Penny Pincher said...

Thank you elanor and merrywether.