Dementia Carers need to look after themselves too, warns Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia isn’t an illness that only affects the person who has it.

It impacts on those around them too, especially the spouses, partners and relatives who become carers for their loved ones, as the recent tragic case of Meryl and Michael Parry – who killed his wife and later himself, reportedly after struggling to cope with her dementia – has highlighted.

Extreme cases like this are rare, but it’s important – as carers, medical professionals and as a society – to be aware of carers’ needs and to know that supporting carers is just as vital as supporting the person with the diagnosis.

‘Physically and mentally exhausting’

“Recent research by Alzheimer’s Society revealed that most GPs believe their patients with dementia have to rely on families and unpaid carers,” says George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Society.

“While there are positive aspects of caring, such as learning new skills, strengthening relationships and supporting someone who is important to you, it can also be both physically and mentally exhausting.”

Susan Drayton, clinical lead for Admiral Nursing Direct at Dementia UK, agrees that the long hours involved in caring for family members can take their toll because people are unaware of the support networks available.

“Sadly it can be common for carers to struggle, and many carers experience stress and depression,” she says.

“Dementia can still have negative connotations and many people are unaware of the support and services available. Older carers can also have their own complex physical and emotional needs which can add to the challenges of caring for a spouse with dementia.”

Support is out there

Just acknowledging that being a carer can be challenging, and that it’s normal to find it a struggle at times, can make a big difference to people, but actual support is also very important.

“A simple phone-call to a specialist, like one of our Admiral Nurses on our helpline, can help carers feel less isolated, and we can also point them in the direction of local support services,” says Drayton.

“Our helpline is staffed by expert Admiral Nurses who provide practical and emotional support for family carers as well as health professionals. We’ve seen a 78% increase in calls over the last year, and callers have described the helpline as a ‘lifeline’ when they’ve need support.”

You’re not alone

Talking openly about how you’re coping and feeling doesn’t come naturally for everybody, but talking to others who are going through – or have previously been through – similar situations, can be immensely helpful.

And even if you don’t want to ‘open up’ about your personal situation immediately, just spending time with other carers and people who understand what living with dementia is like can be a big relief and confidence boost.

“Many find it helpful to talk about their feelings with their friends and family or those in a similar situation. Online forums such as Alzheimer’s Society Talking Point can be a useful source of support and practical suggestions, or simply a place for carers to let off steam after a difficult day,” says McNamara.

“Other types of support include local support groups which can be found through our website. GPs, counsellors and other professionals can also offer support.”

Feeling guilty is normal – but not necessary

Being a good carer does not mean you should never admit that you need a break, you’d like some time to yourself or to get a change of scene.

In fact, while it’s totally normal to feel guilty about these things, it’s actually extremely important that carers do look after their own needs too – and that means having some time off, even if it’s just a few hours here and there to go for a walk, enjoy a hobby, or simply have a bath and eat a meal and watch TV uninterrupted.

“Guilt is very common, carers can feel they’re never doing enough for the person they’re caring for,” says Drayton.

“But it is so important that carers look after themselves, by talking to someone and accessing services that support them. By investing in the health and wellbeing of carers, who provide the lion’s share of care, we in turn are then providing better care for the person with dementia.

“It’s important that carers don’t feel that they have to cope on their own.”

Article originally published on BT website