Two’s company, three’s a crowd: disabled people, their carers and their partners

Abstract

In this analytical autoethnography, I share some of my complex relational experiences between my partner with a severe physical disability, his carers and myself. The article explores the benefits of care and carers, the physical and emotional costs of carers and some of the general considerations taken in this triad relationship. I share some of my relational experiences with an audience who might not normally encounter or have thought about the dynamic relationships between this triad. It is hoped that this will stimulate an interest to open dialogue, offer support and provide an insight into the lives of some relationships.

Keywords:

• Severe physical disability
• autoethnography
• partners of disabled people
• carers
• personal assistants

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Professor Leslie Swartz for his assistance with this article and for believing in my work, and her husband Dr Vic McKinney for his support and encouragement.