Dear Family Carer-

Dear Family Carer, You are Part of the Therapy Too.

Over the years, I’ve met many carers who describe themselves as “just the helper” or “not really part of the process.” They stand to the side during assessments, hover in the kitchen during visits, or quietly offer a cup of tea before retreating to give us space.

But here’s the truth I want every family carer to know: you are part of the therapy – whether you realise it or not.

When someone is recovering, adapting, or learning new ways to live, the support around them can be just as important as the exercises we practice or the strategies we set up. You are often the one helping to put those changes into daily life. You notice what’s working, what’s not, and when things shift – sometimes long before anyone else sees it.

I’ve seen the difference it makes when a carer feels confident and included. Small things – reminding a loved one to take breaks, breaking tasks into manageable steps, or encouraging them when frustration creeps in – can be the quiet fuel that keeps the progress moving.

I’ve also seen the toll it can take when carers try to do it all, without support. The long days, the emotional load, the loss of time for themselves. This is why part of my role is only to work with the person referred to me, but to make sure the carer has space to breathe, ask questions, and feel heard.

If you are a family carer, you are not “in the background”. You are part of the therapeutic team. Your insights guide our plans, your encouragement shapes the recovery journey, and your wellbeing matters every bit as much as theirs.

So next time, you see the OT arrive, know that we’re here for you too. You are not just the helper. You’re a vital part of the story.

“Care isn’t something you stand outside of – it’s something you live. And in living it become part of the healing.”