Supporting a loved one with dementia

[Revitalise1963]

This week is Dementia Awareness Week and with unpaid carers who support a loved one with dementia saving the economy an estimated 11 billion per year, we think it's only right to recognise their invaluable contribution to society. Being diagnosed with a life-changing condition like dementia can often seem like the most overwhelming thing in the world and it can take a while to adjust. That's why we want to reassure carers everywhere that help is at hand. If you have been affected by dementia, let us know how life has changed for you and your loved ones, and how you have found ways to cope?

[jaykay777]

I am surprised I was able to care for my husband with dementia from the time I was 80 until he died when I was 83. He was six years younger than I. I had support and minimal hands-on assistance from hospice. I'm now 86 and surprised that I survived the stress of being on call 24/7. I think the tipping point that made it possible was that hospice always sent a nurse to evaluate him every time he fell, and that they supplied a hospital bed and oxygen equipment, and that they persuaded me to place him in a skilled nursing facility near the end of his life. I don't think that short breaks in caregiving would have been of significant help.

[Revitalise1963 in reply to jaykay777]

Hello again jaykay777 - it's really great to hear from you and have you tell us more about your experience of caring for your husband.

[fenbadger]

It certainly has changed. My mum is 84 and of course it takes longer to do anything basic. I still work and have fibromyalgia which makes things a bit difficult. We spend so much time arguing - well I make a statement which seemingly she contradicts out of habit. I'm told about support for carers but in honesty I cannot gain access. Its usually available when I'm at work. On line is about the most practical

[Revitalise1963 in reply to fenbadger]

Hello to you too fenbadger - it's really great to know that you find the online community a useful resource to share your experiences and connect with others too. We understand that it can be difficult to access support for a whole variety of reasons, but we're always here to reach out to on the forum.

[fenbadger in reply to Revitalise1963]

Thanks.

Yes, I was put in touch with someone who offers respite holidays for carers. The dates I can get away its £1500 a week. I needed smelling salts for that on its own!

[fenbadger in reply to fenbadger]

another thing is the local carers support group meets on a Tuesday afternoon. There's a 4 letter word gets in the way. Work. My employer would be offering a P45 if I kept taking that sort of time off.