Episode 6 - Caring for Carers

On an otherwise ordinary Wednesday, teacher and comedian Jess Pratt would step into a full time role that she would have never voluntarily chosen: carer. In this powerful and practical episode, Jess shares the reality of being a 'patient by proxy'. The loneliness and loss of identity; the bewilderment and learning; the anxiety and uncertainty; the ambition and advocacy.

We then speak to psychologist and neuroscientist Perri Curtis, a cancer widow and carer herself, for an absorbing and thought-provoking reflection on what it is to care. We delve into the somewhat inevitable, beautifully intentioned but often unhelpful statement: "let me know if there is anything I can do to help". And we sit in the reality of everyone, eventually, encountering the requirement to care or be cared for.

This episode delivers such valuable insights into what happens in the chaos that encircles a health crisis. And critically, challenges the health system to make room for the carer, as a participant in the process. This is essential listening for anyone who cares.

www.theimpatientpodcast.com.au | i: @theimpatinentpodcast Hosts: Nicole Cooper (@nicolecoopy) & Sean Crank (@seancrank) Guests: Jess Pratt & Perri Curtis Music: Dean Pratt (i: @dean.pratt)

Please note that the impatient podcast contains interviews with patients who share their experiences of the Australian health system, which include personal accounts of acute and chronic health conditions