A devoted pensioner who became her husband’s 24-hour carer after a stroke left him with a life changing brain injury has been named runner-up in the Carer of the Year national awards. Penicuik pensioner Janet Malcolm was recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway, the brain injury association, at London’s Dorchester Hotel last Friday.
When Janet’s husband Andy suffered a stroke in 2014, the former fireman was left with many long-term health problems. He suffers from aphasia – a condition that affects the brain and leads to problems using language correctly. His right side is also paralysed and he struggles with post stroke apathy – often leading to extremely low moods.
On top of all of this, he also acquired epilepsy and experiences tonic clonic seizures which frighten him and make him anxious to go out of the house alone.
Janet spent numerous hours re-teaching her husband of 49 years how to use new adapted kitchen utensils and he is now able to make himself drinks and a choice of simple meals. This gives him back the self worth involved in being independent that we all take for granted.
One of Andy’s biggest struggles is his speech and communication. Janet is often alone at home with him every day. She misses the free and easy camaraderie that was always present in their marriage. Where it would be easy for Janet to fall into a depression due to her loneliness, she has refused to let it affect her.
With the support of her local group Edinburgh Headway, she faces these daily struggles and adversities. She is infallible in her courage, caring nature and love for her husband.
She said: “There are still bits of my husband left from before the stroke and I just want to pull a few more bits back. We still have a life, we still love each other. It’s just a different life.
“I know it sounds obvious, but I just get on with it. I want to provide Andy with the best life possible and help him get as much of his independence back. It’s nice and very kind to be nominated. Edinburgh Headway has been so supportive. But I don’t do it for recognition or anything like that – I do it because I simply love my husband.”
Janet was nominated by Leigh Thornton, Rehabilitation Co-ordinator, at Edinburgh Headway, who said Janet is an amazing wife to Andy and more than worthy of the award. She went on: “Janet dedicates all of her time to making sure her husband is comfortable and offered the dignity and equality that he deserves, spending little to no time on her own or doing things that she wants to do.”
Leigh said that Janet had to sacrifice her lifestyle for Andy. “Janet puts him before herself 100% of the time. Even being on call in the early hours of the morning when insomnia strikes. Janet’s phone number is the only one that her husband recognises on his phone, calling her from his bed to signal that she should come through. She often states that ‘if he doesn’t sleep, I don’t sleep’.
“Janet’s life changed suddenly and drastically when her husband had his stroke, but she tackles everyday with positivity, endless encouragement and the patience of a saint. She really deserves this national recognition.”
Edinburgh Headway Group is an independent local charity and the only specialised organisation for adults with an Acquired Brain Injury in Edinburgh. They provide high quality person-centred rehabilitation services which support both adults with brain injuries and their families and carers.
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