Extra Care Residential Settings

We’d like to think that we can do it all on our own but in reality, dementia can be a tricky condition to care for. Caring for someone with a progressive condition like dementia should not be underestimated. According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are around 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK, two thirds of whom receive care in their own homes.

As dementia patient worsens they’ll become increasingly confused and less able to carry out basic day-to-day tasks including personal care. Frustration and irritableness usually follow when they are unable to remember or do things without help.  The person you knew and loved can become unrecognisable, and this can prove very challenging.

For many with parents who suffer from dementia home care is the ideal setting for our parent. Familiar surroundings reassure parents who are struggling to remain in the present and the presence of family members can provide added support. But for those of us caring for our parent at home the stress and work involved can become overwhelming.

Getting a break from caring is vital for you and for your parent. It’s hard to let someone else care for your parent whilst you rest - anxiety and guilt can creep in when you feel like you’re unable to look after their every need. Nobody’s perfect! ‘Carer’s syndrome’ can impact upon your quality of life as well as your parent’s – sometimes relying on family and friends for support can be the best option to ensure that your wellbeing isn’t jeopardised.

Don’t forget that if you’re caring for your parent you have the legal right to request an assessment of your own needs. The assessment is carried about by your local authority’s social services department who determine what help they can provide in order to maintain your own health and balance caring with work and family life. To find out more about carer’s assessments click here. Alternatively you can call the free Carers Direct helpline on 0808 802 0202.

There are also services and support groups local to you, the Alzheimer’s Society has a useful search tool.

There are a growing number of extra care residential settings if your parent is caring for their partner, where the person with dementia receives the support they need and can also live with, or close to, their partner. Housing Care and The Good Care Guide are just two places you can look for specialist accommodation like this.