Carers play a crucial role in supporting people living with dementia,
but how can they look out for themselves too?
It
can be very distressing when a loved one develops dementia – a condition which
affects around 850,000 people in the UK (with rates on the rise). And often,
when a close relative, spouse or partner or even a good friend is diagnosed
with dementia, this also means stepping into the role of being a carer.
It’s
estimated there are currently around 670,000 dementia carers in the UK, playing
a vital role supporting those diagnosed with the disease, which causes symptoms
like memory loss and difficulties with problem-solving, thought and language,
as well as personality changes and trouble carrying out day-to-day tasks.
But
being a carer can be incredibly challenging too, and it’s entirely normal to
sometimes find it a struggle – which is why it’s so important to be aware that
support is out there for carers too.
National
Dementia Carer’s Day, co-founded by the likes of Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s
Society aims to highlight and celebrate dementia carers, and shine a light on
what it really means to be a carer.
Christina
Macdonald, content director for leading brain and mind clinic Re:Cognition Health,
whose mother had vascular dementia, knows from personal experience what caring
for somebody with the condition can entail.
1. Enlist a
support crew
“You
can’t do it on your own so enlist the support of trusted friends, family and neighbours
and accept help when it is offered, even if you think you won’t need it
straight away.”
2. Knowledge
is power
“Speak
to professional organisations for advice and support – your local authority,
Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Dementia UK, Carers UK, and visit online resources
including The Alzheimer’s Show website – and do your research on local support
and funding available. More information on these can be found in Christina
Macdonald’s new book, Dementia Care: A Guide.”
3. Mentally
detach yourself when you need to
“It’s
important to remember that dementia is a disease of the brain, so a person with
dementia could be susceptible to sudden and unpredictable mood swings, often
without warning. It is the disease talking, not the individual, and because
they can’t change their behaviour, you need to learn to detach yourself from
the situation. Give them some space to calm down if need be.”
4. Be in a
good place when you visit
“A
person with dementia can be happy one minute and angry the next. As moods can
be erratic, be prepared for all situations when you visit (if you don’t live
with the person you’re a carer for). If you are tired, stressed or not in a
good place, it will not benefit either person.”
5. Exercise
regularly
“The
endorphins released when exercising are mood enhancing. Exercising with the
person you are caring for will benefit you both, helping to clear the mind and
help reduce symptoms of sundowning (when a person with dementia can be
susceptible to mood swings late afternoon or early evening when the sun goes
down).”
6. Distract
and deflect
“Don’t
talk about bereavements – even though they may have happened a very long time
ago, they can be perceived as news to the person and trigger episodes of grief.
When you can, change the subject when asked about where a deceased person is –
you may find it’s a brief moment that you can move on from very quickly.”
7. Encourage
the person to socialise
“Social
interaction will make a difference to the person’s mood and mental awareness.
Encourage the person to get involved in activities or mix with others as mental
stimulation helps. Know when to back off if they don’t want to do something and
don’t forget to mix yourself – befriending other carers is an excellent
opportunity to vent, share and support, or having a coffee with those
unaffected by dementia will give you a chance to switch off from your caring
duties.”
8. Establish
a routine
“A
regular routine and familiar environment will make the person feel secure. If
you are planning a day trip, find a favourite place where the person feels
comfortable or associates with happy memories.”
9. Prepare
for the future
“The
time will come when the person with dementia can no longer be left alone, so
it’s advisable to start planning, preparing and thinking about the future as
soon as possible. Make sure paperwork is in order, organise Lasting Power of
Attorneys for Property & Finance and Health & Welfare, notify the DVLA
of the person’s dementia diagnosis and locate important documents you may need
to manage in future such as bank statements and bills.”
10. Look
after yourself
“A
healthy carer makes a good carer; you can’t look after someone else if you
don’t take care of yourself. Take time out, have regular daily breaks and short
holidays away when you need them.”
SOURCE:
Abi Jackson, BT.com/Lifestyle
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