Emotional support for caregivers is vital

When you’re caring for someone with dementia, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. Very often, it’s not just the person with dementia that suffers. It’s also vital for your own wellbeing that you don’t take on too much yourself.

These can be both positive and negative emotions. You may feel proud of the support you provide – a real sense of satisfaction. However, more often than not other feelings, such as guilt, anger, frustration, embarrassment and upset, creep in.

What’s important is that you know this is very normal for most people that are caring for someone with dementia.

Again, the best way to deal with this is to talk with people. Friends, family, support workers, support groups and the National Dementia helpline can all help – just reach out.

There are many sources of support for you:

**Social services and the carer’s assessment – as a carer, you’re entitled to have your individual needs assessed by social services.
A carer’s assessment will consider the impact the care and support you provide is having on your own wellbeing and life. You may be eligible for support from the local authority, who will also offer you advice and guidance to help you with your caring responsibilities.
The local authority might charge for some of these services, taking your income and some savings into account.

**Benefits and your employer – if you work, explore flexible working options with your employer. If you decide to stop working, take advice about your pension entitlements. Find out about any benefits you might be entitled to.

It’s a hard thing to balance but it is really important that you also have some time to yourself and away from the care you are providing.

You need some time to relax. It can help limit the stress that providing care sometimes has.