If you are a family carer for a person living with dementia, although it can be a very rewarding experience, it can also be frustrating, and isolating. It’s extremely important to take care of yourself a carer, as if you don’t look after yourself, it will be much more difficult to look after somebody else.
Isolation in carers, particularly unpaid family carers, is very common, but it is also easily avoided. Support groups for carers are ever-increasing in numbers: it’s highly likely that there will be a support group in your local area, so start with a simple Google search, or even check out local noticeboards when you are out and about.
There are many groups for people with dementia to go to with their family or carer, where they can participate in dementia-friendly activities. This can be a great opportunity to meet people who are experiencing the same things as you when it comes to looking after a loved one with dementia. You will more than likely find that you are not alone in your experiences, and talking about your concerns and fears with people who understand them first-hand can be very reassuring.
There are also larger charities that focus on both research and providing support for people with dementia and their carers, as well as helplines that are there to support you whether in a crisis, or if you just need to offload.
Dementia UK: https://www.dementiauk.org/
Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Alzheimer’s Research UK: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/
Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
My Dementia Network: https://my.dementia.network/
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/
Dementia Friends: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
For more information or if you wish to discuss care for your loved one please email care@greensleeves.org.uk