The pandemic restrictions might be causing a lot of worry for carers right now

When you’re a carer for a spouse, partner or elder relative with dementia, looking after your own wellbeing too is vital - but the pandemic might be making that extremely tough for many people right now.

Even when you dearly love the person you’re caring for, as thousands of carers across the UK and Ireland will know, it’s a demanding role, both practically and mentally.

Those precious pockets of respite - even if it’s just a few hours to yourself once or twice a week to switch off, tinker in the shed, or stretch your limbs - make a world of difference, ensuring you can recharge and aren’t trying to pour from an empty cup.

Charities such as Dementia UK and Carers UK have seen a rise in calls from carers worried about what the coronavirus situation means. There’s lots of advice out there, and you’re not alone.

Carers who were benefiting from community services and outside support, or who could make time for themselves thanks to friends and family helping out, may find all these things are impossible now. The majority of people living with dementia, and their spousal carers, will also be in the over-70s group and may be feeling very isolated. On top of this, the uncertainty and changes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic may be very stressful and confusing for people with dementia.

We’re all having to adapt right now, and this includes finding new ways to look after our wellbeing.

This can be especially hard for people with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline and major mental health needs, and in turn their carers too.

First and foremost, we all need to go easy on ourselves and each other, as this is a challenging time. Take it one day at a time and where you can, focus on the small things that are in your power.

“One big worry for this group is what happens if either of you comes down with the virus and there’s no one else to help - not everyone does have a close friend or family member they could call on.

If there is already a key worker familiar with your situation, get in touch with them to chat it through.

Running out of food and prescription medicines may be a concern too. These are things you can talk to your local council about.

There are lots of schemes in place, which the council, charities and community mutual aid groups are coordinating, to ensure you get the help you need.

“We’re really encouraging carers to reach out to friends and family.”

“Often carers do think they need to take everything on, on their own, but where they do have friends and family who could possibly help support them - who they can speak with over the phone, or video calls like we are all doing now - that’s a really good idea.” dementiauk. org, 0800 888 6678 ageuk.org.uk, 0800 055 6112 carersuk.org, 0808 808 7777

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