SUPPORT
Support for carers
If you care for a friend, relative or loved one with dementia, you can access emotional, practical and financial support, and also training to help you provide the best possible care.
Taking care of yourself
Looking after someone living with dementia can be extremely rewarding, but can also involve a considerable amount of work and attention in order to provide the best possible care and support.
Many people who have a family member with dementia find themselves in the role of full-time or part-time carer. And when you are looking after someone around the clock, you might find it difficult to think about your own needs, get enough rest, or take part in activities you enjoy.
But you may not be able to continue caring for the person with dementia if you neglect your health, or if you don’t have enough support or time to recharge your batteries. It’s a bit like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else during a flight emergency: by looking after yourself first, you’re more likely to have the strength to look after the person you care for.
Dementia UK has published new advice on how people looking after someone with dementia can receive a Carer’s Assessment: an assessment of their financial and practical needs which is conducted by their Local Authority or Local Council Services.
Through home visits from a social worker, the Carer’s Assessment establishes the impact that caring for a person with dementia is having on a carer’s life. It then identifies the relevant support to allow the carer to continue caring for a person with dementia for as long as they want to and are able to.
This support can include things like respite care to allow a carer to make time for themselves or even training to allow them to care for the person with dementia in the safest and most appropriate way.
Click here to see the Dementia UK Carer’s Assessment Guidance
Click here to view Wokingham Borough Council's website for more information on how to access a Carer's Assessment, what the process may entail and the possible support available.
Carer’s assessment
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Accessing support
Caring for someone with dementia can lead to feelings of guilt, sadness, confusion or anger. Unlike with other conditions, it may not be appropriate to share these feelings with someone with dementia, leaving you feeling very isolated.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings, and to remember that there’s no right or wrong way to feel. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or you're struggling to cope, talk to your doctor who can let you know about the help and support available to you.
Wokingham Memory Clinic (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) has a free online course that includes types of dementia, treatments, communication, behaviours, research, legal issues, memory aids, mobility issues, personal care, legal matters, local support etc. It is accessible at any time.
Twyford-based charity Understanding Dementia delivers free interactive online courses for anyone supporting a family member or friend living with memory loss or dementia. The emphasis is on reducing the impact of dementia on the person. There is a choice of daytime or evening, with some face-to-face courses for those who find online access difficult.
For booking and enquiries, see the Understanding Dementia website or email lucy.w@understandingdementia.co.uk.
Wokingham Carers Partnership is a new service for carers to:
· Get support to help you in your caring role
· Find local services and sources of help
· Look after your health and wellbeing
· Connect with other carers
· Understand your rights
Information and advice support services for carers in Wokingham will be provided by the Wokingham Carers Partnership from 1st April 2023.
The Partnership members - Age UK Berkshire, Promise Inclusion and Berkshire Youth all have a successful track record of working locally with carers.
Let's Connect is a social network to support individuals wellbeing, by helping them to connect with others, organisations, services, and opportunities in their community run through Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. They offer regular network meetings in Newbury, Reading and Wokingham, along with also offering individual meetings and can help connect people with local community groups and services. For more information please click here.
