Finding Your Voice as a Full-Time Carer Requires Immense Inner Strength

Breaking the Blocks

Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into finding balance between caring for others and maintaining your own identity through creativity and connection.
• Caz balances her renowned artistic career with caring for her husband Derek after his stroke in 2021
• The stroke left Derek with left-side weakness, limited vision, and spatial awareness challenges
• Creativity serves as healing for both carer and patient, providing focus and purpose
• Maintaining your identity is crucial when transitioning from life partner to caregiver
• Small moments of respite are essential for carers – walks, garden time, coffee with friends
• Finding ways to collaborate despite limitations helps preserve dignity for both individuals
• Caz identifies her "triangle of needs": challenge, connection to creativity, and connection to others
• The UK has approximately 5 million unpaid carers providing essential support
• Human connection is being eroded in our increasingly technology-focused society
• Speaking up about what you need as a carer is vital for maintaining your wellbeing
• Caz's motto "to do different" encourages finding alternative approaches to life's challenges
Contact Caz through Instagram to see her work and connect with her community of makers @casholmestextiles
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Chapters

1. Introduction to Kaz Holmes (00:00:00)

2. Creative Healing for Carers (00:05:21)

3. Derek's Stroke and Life Changes (00:10:42)

4. The Hamster Wheel of Caregiving (00:19:44)

5. Finding Balance as a Carer (00:30:26)

6. Valuing Connection in a Disconnected World (00:38:54)

7. To Do Different: Final Thoughts (00:54:17)