Support And Resources For Families Navigating Dementia
It’s no secret that navigating a family member’s dementia diagnosis can be an incredibly tough time, and it’s likely that if you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may need to seek outside support.
Caring for an individual with dementia, especially a family member, can be an incredibly demanding, stressful and difficult job that requires a lot of external support. Whether you seek support from family members or you’re looking for resources outside of your inner circle, these are some of the support services and resources you may want to look into as a carer for a loved one with dementia.
Family And Friends
If you have a close-knit group of friends and family, you may want to lean on them for support when you’re navigating caring for a loved one with dementia. Leaning on other members of your family or your friends might be beneficial as they know what you’re going through and can sympathise with your unique position in ways others may not be able to.
Leaning on your friends and family for emotional support, comfort and even help around the house could be just what you need when trying to navigate caring for a family member with dementia.
Local Authority Support
You may be able to get support from your local authority if you’re struggling with caring for a family member with dementia. This may be in the form of services from a dementia care London agency, which may include services like home care, respite care, day centres and more so that you can have some help when it comes to providing care to your loved one.
If you’re struggling to manage full-time care alongside your other responsibilities, seeking help and support from your local authority might make all the difference in ensuring you’re able to provide the best care possible for your family member.
Financial Support
As a carer of someone in your family, you may be eligible for financial support, including a carer’s allowance to help you cover the costs associated with full-time care.
Whether you need to leave your job to provide care or just cut down on hours, being able to access financial support could be exactly what you need to ensure you have the finances to keep up with the requirements of being a carer for a family member.
Support Groups
One of the best things you can do for yourself if you’re a carer for a family member with dementia is to seek support from others who know exactly what you’re going through. This could be in the form of a support group where you can talk to other individuals in similar situations and come together to share ideas, strategies and advice about caring for your loved one.
There are a number of dementia-specific support groups out there that you may be able to access in your local area. These include Age UK, Carers UK and more. Local support groups are a great way to meet others in similar situations, form friendships and discuss what’s going on in your life in a safe and supportive environment.
Online Forums
If you’re not quite up to seeking support in person, seeking advice on online forums could be equally beneficial. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to discuss a tough day or you’re just looking for some support from others in the same boat, online forums are a great option as they’re available 24 hours a day and are free to use.
Connecting with others online can be just as beneficial for dementia carers as connecting in person, so if you’re short on time or don’t live in an area with an in-person support group, online forums might be the perfect fit for you.
Take Care Of Yourself First
Caring for a loved one is never easy, especially when your loved one has dementia, but it’s crucial to ensure that you are caring for yourself first and foremost. You’re no use as a carer if you are struggling with burnout, not eating correctly or are just generally exhausted.
Ensure you’re eating regular healthy meals, getting enough rest and seeking support when you are caring for a loved one with dementia. Taking care of yourself allows you to be in the best headspace to care for your family members with the love, care and respect they deserve.
