The Carer's Companion

About the Book

I didn’t realise how lonely caregiving could feel until I found myself alone in this world that I had no training for, no lifeline to call and no one to just ‘get it’ or give me a break when I was about to snap.

I juggled nappies, feedings and sleepless nights with my newborn while at random calling ambulances for my dying mother as I carried the silent losses of losing my business and my career and my own health and still had to show up to do the caring hourly and daily. Caring is tough, mostly thankless and emotionally, physically and financially draining. 

I see you – I hear you – I’ve been there – and this is for you!

This is not a manual, a checklist, a lecture or homework. I am writing this to be the friend you need on lonely days, the shoulder to cry on, a voice of hope or the hug you need from me to you, wherever you are in the world. Inside, and on each page, I’ve created for you:

• A single line prayer to say to your God to give you strength
• An affirmation and inspirational quote to ground and inspire you
• A movement moment and stretch to remind you to look after yourself too
• A nutritional tip and a ‘Did you know?’ nugget to boost your wellbeing and general knowledge
• Mini summaries, resource reviews and more, education bites to expand your talents
• And journalling, or thinking time, opportunities to use your new skills to think about life, past and present; to reflect, to process, to learn from, reframe and grow with these skills and strategies.

As a carer you do the hardest work on earth. I respect that. It’s my sincere hope that I can support and inspire, to encourage and care for you, world over. I hope this guide, resources, and the coming App with guided meditations, days read in audio, videos and more, ease your burdens and improve your days. 

Thank you for being the strongest of us all and doing the hardest job in the world.

You are not alone.

About the Author

Scarlet Hartwell writes from lived experience as both a lifelong carer and a seasoned professional. She has supported others in many roles—first as a young carer within her family and community, later through careers in financial planning, accounting and business finance, and most profoundly while raising her daughter and caring for her mother through illness and end-of-life, all while living with Multiple Sclerosis herself. Walking that journey without a willing support network, Scarlet created The Carer’s Companion to offer what she once needed most: a steady, practical and compassionate resource that brings strength, self-worth and compassion to carers’ daily lives.