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The text on this page is taken from the booklet "Caring for Dementia - Dementia Carers' Pathways Devon". We recommend obtaining a copy from the Memory Café in Torrington.
Looking after Yourself
Part of doing your best is looking after yourself and making time to relax is very important. If you try to continue day after day without a break, you invite stress and depression. Even a short period away from the routine can work wonders.
It is important to look after yourself when you are caring for someone with dementia, it can be all too easy to ignore your own needs and to forget that you matter as well.
If there is a day centre or sitting service in your area that will allow you to get out for a while, use it. When you feel the need for a longer rest, ask your Care Manager about respite care and be insistent. Do not be afraid to approach your friends and family for support, your role as a carer is exhausting. You are entitled to expect help.
There may be a local self help group you can join, this is a good idea, sharing and discussing your problems. You can learn how others deal with difficulties similar to your own.
Laugh and try to retain a sense of humour. Laughing with the cared for person can help to relieve a stressful situation. Remember there are funny times. We can laugh at the funny times, we are not laughing at our loved ones we are laughing with them.
If the time comes when you can no longer cope, don't be too hard on yourself.
If the cared for person needs to be admitted to hospital or residential care, this is not a sign of failure on your part. It is often the best and safest solution for all concerned.
Health matters
As a carer your health is important. If you become unwell and do not get help, you may be unable to continue looking after the person you care for. Take the time to consult your doctor about your own health. Simple treatments like having a 'Flu Jab', for example, could help you avoid illness.
Because of your caring role, do not ignore warning symptoms that might indicate a developing illness or a serious condition. Services can be put in place to support you even if you are compelled to have time away from your caring role.
Safety in the home
Staying safe whilst caring for someone with dementia is exhausting and as their ability to reason declines, potential hazards increase.
Be aware of risks in the home such as gas appliances, trailing wires, electrical equipment, low glass tables, loose rugs, medicines and cleaning materials (bleach etc.)
Make sure the cared for person is kept away from anything that might harm them.
Remember you cannot remove all hazards, but you can be vigilant and aware of new dangers that might develop. As long as you learn to look out for problems, you are doing all that can be expected.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will carry out a free home safety visit for the occupier providing advice and guidance on their fire and home safety needs. They can also provide specialist alarms for people with hearing or sight impairment.
To obtain details contact Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service see Links page
It is important to look after yourself when you are caring for someone with dementia, it can be all too easy to ignore your own needs and to forget that you matter as well.
If there is a day centre or sitting service in your area that will allow you to get out for a while, use it. When you feel the need for a longer rest, ask your Care Manager about respite care and be insistent. Do not be afraid to approach your friends and family for support, your role as a carer is exhausting. You are entitled to expect help.
There may be a local self help group you can join, this is a good idea, sharing and discussing your problems. You can learn how others deal with difficulties similar to your own.
Laugh and try to retain a sense of humour. Laughing with the cared for person can help to relieve a stressful situation. Remember there are funny times. We can laugh at the funny times, we are not laughing at our loved ones we are laughing with them.
If the time comes when you can no longer cope, don't be too hard on yourself.
If the cared for person needs to be admitted to hospital or residential care, this is not a sign of failure on your part. It is often the best and safest solution for all concerned.
Health matters
As a carer your health is important. If you become unwell and do not get help, you may be unable to continue looking after the person you care for. Take the time to consult your doctor about your own health. Simple treatments like having a 'Flu Jab', for example, could help you avoid illness.
Because of your caring role, do not ignore warning symptoms that might indicate a developing illness or a serious condition. Services can be put in place to support you even if you are compelled to have time away from your caring role.
Safety in the home
Staying safe whilst caring for someone with dementia is exhausting and as their ability to reason declines, potential hazards increase.
Be aware of risks in the home such as gas appliances, trailing wires, electrical equipment, low glass tables, loose rugs, medicines and cleaning materials (bleach etc.)
Make sure the cared for person is kept away from anything that might harm them.
Remember you cannot remove all hazards, but you can be vigilant and aware of new dangers that might develop. As long as you learn to look out for problems, you are doing all that can be expected.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will carry out a free home safety visit for the occupier providing advice and guidance on their fire and home safety needs. They can also provide specialist alarms for people with hearing or sight impairment.
To obtain details contact Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service see Links page
If you have safety concerns about water, electricity, gas appliances or other risks (e.g. gas or carbon monoxide leaks) contact your utility company immediately, as they are able to offer specialist advice and support to mitigate any risks.
Diet
It is important to do what you can to make sure that the cared for person and yourself enjoy their food and eat a healthy balanced diet. As dementia progresses eating can become difficult for some people. By making a few changes you can help keep mealtimes as enjoyable and stress free as possible. Sometimes a person with dementia may eat more food than they need.
If they are eating excessive amounts, try to limit their food intake to prevent them eating too much and becoming overweight.
Contact the doctor if you have any specific concerns about nutrition or other problems associated with eating for either the cared for person or yourself. If appropriate a specialist such as a Dietician, Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist can help.
Diet
It is important to do what you can to make sure that the cared for person and yourself enjoy their food and eat a healthy balanced diet. As dementia progresses eating can become difficult for some people. By making a few changes you can help keep mealtimes as enjoyable and stress free as possible. Sometimes a person with dementia may eat more food than they need.
If they are eating excessive amounts, try to limit their food intake to prevent them eating too much and becoming overweight.
Contact the doctor if you have any specific concerns about nutrition or other problems associated with eating for either the cared for person or yourself. If appropriate a specialist such as a Dietician, Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist can help.
