I'm a carer for my elderly mother and have been there for her pretty much all of 9 years but only registered as her carer for the past 2yrs. It's a role that gives me great satisfaction in that I am returning so much and to be honest I'd do it for free as I love her to bits; but sometimes when I'm at home having a 'quiet moment' I seem to hit a bit of a trough.

I'm also a single-parent and have two children left at home, one still at school. The thing is that although they're growing up and slowly making their own ways in life I'm still there for them and I seem to get lost in all of this. If I'm needed to help out in some way things are fine but when it comes to me doing something for me - I just don't always have a clue.

Are there any other SF members in a similar position to myself who understand my situation?

http://www.sheffieldcarers.org.uk/

i have no personal experience, but perhaps this may be helpful.
they are support groups for carers in sheffield but i am only aware of support for carers caring for people with mental health problems. good luck

Hi Tiffy,as carers of our loved ones we have no alternative, so it isn't a case of motivation, it's a necessity, and we're not likely to let our loved ones down now are we? Jules99 is right,have you joined the Sheffield carers? I have only ever been once,because I have no one to sit with my husband,but it's very helpful to know that they are there for you, you'll get a monthly newsletter that tells you all what's going on,and it also gives important information on carers rights and benifits etc if you have any problem there's always someone who will try to help. I went to the ADM recently, and was surprised to learn that Sheffield has 4000 carers, saving the city £738 million pounds a year which is an astronomical amount of money.
This is another carers forum http://artemis-media.com/phpbb/
and there is some really nice people on there thats ready to give advice ect., but although all these are very helpful,I would try to meet up personally with others in the same boat, and perhaps the Sheffield carers is the place to start. Please PM me if I can help at all.

Thanks for the sites.

They look very helpful and no doubt will offer me the support I need now from others who are in the same boat.

Was 'motivation' the right word? I meant I just needed a little encouragement now and again and reminders that when it seems tough and impossible, you do get through it.