Caring for someone living with dementia can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. You don’t have to face it alone. There is a range of support available, including practical care services, financial assistance and dedicated support to help you look after your own health and wellbeing.
Why Dementia Carers Struggle With Health and Wellbeing
Caring for someone living with dementia can change almost every part of your life. You may find yourself taking on new responsibilities, making difficult decisions and constantly adapting to changes in the person you care for. Over time, this can take a toll on your own physical and emotional wellbeing:
You may not have received formal training
If you’re looking after someone with dementia, then you might not even think of yourself as a carer, at first. You’re just doing what a good wife, husband, son, or daughter should do, and looking after your partner or parent.
As their needs change, however, you may find yourself facing situations you have never encountered before. You may not have had access to formal training in:
- Dementia care
- Moving and handling
- Communication or responding to distress
Having the right information, guidance and support can help you feel more confident and better prepared
Dementia is a progressive condition
Dementia is a progressive condition, and a person’s symptoms and care needs will change as the condition progresses. This means that carers may need to continually adapt to new situations, changing routines and different ways of communicating and providing support. What works well at one stage may need to be adapted as the person’s needs change.
Dementia is never easy
It is always upsetting to see your loved one in states of distress or confusion
All of this can take its toll, meaning that dementia carers often struggle with stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and other mental health conditions.
Support For Dementia Carers
Caring for someone living with dementia can sometimes feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Reaching out for support can make a real difference, whether you need practical help, some time for yourself or simply someone to talk to.
Friends and family can be a good place to start. Sometimes it helps to be specific about what would make things easier for you. This might be asking someone to pick up some shopping, run an errand, spend some time with the person you care for while you have a break, or simply be there to listen.
You may have previously told people that you can manage on your own, and they may therefore assume that you are still managing well. Letting them know when things have become more difficult can help them understand what you need and how they can support you.
Asking for support is not a sign that you are struggling to cope. It is an important part of looking after yourself while continuing to care for someone else.
You can also join the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Forum, where you can connect with other people who are dealing with dementia.
Design a Care Plan
A care plan can outline a person’s specific care and support needs. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, your care plan can offer some essential clarity and guidance. You can outline exactly what you or anyone else should do in any situation, including emergency situations.
Read our full guide to care plans.
We also have a guide to adapting your home for someone with dementia.
Talk To Your GP
If you feel like you’re struggling, then your GP can be your first port of call, even if you don’t think you’re experiencing any specific health conditions.
Your GP can advise you on the support that’s available in your area, whether it’s for you or the person you care for.
Learn more about what you can expect when you talk to your GP.
Social Care and Other Support
Following a care assessment, you may be eligible for specialist social care support.
This could include:
- Home care visits from trained nurses and other practitioners
- Support with adapting your home
- Visits to day centres
- Respite care
Read our full guide to dementia care support services.
Financial Support For Dementia Carers
You or the person you care for may be eligible for certain financial support.
For example, people with dementia can apply for Funding Nursing Care (FNC). This can be up to £350 a week, which the NHS pays directly to a nursing home. If the FNC payment does not cover the full cost of care, then the local authority can pay the rest, so long as the individual is eligible.
Learn more about NHS funded nursing care.
Get Dementia Care Support From Crossroads Care
Our Crossroads Direct services can help you get the specialist dementia at home care you need. This can include respite care, providing an opportunity for you to take a much-needed break, and to focus on your own health and wellbeing.
Our dedicated team can work closely with you to design a dementia care plan that meets your specific needs. Experienced carers provide personalised care and support to help you maintain your independence, wellbeing, and dignity in your home.
Find out more and get in touch for a free care and support consultation today.
