Carers need to be taken care of too in National Week

NATIONAL Carers’ Week takes place from June 11 to 17, and the Dementia: Understand Together campaign is highlighting the valuable role carried out by carers of people with dementia.

The week offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the cacarer and how people can support them.

There are an estimated 180,000 people in Ireland who are, or who have been, carers for a family member or partner wiwith dementia.

With 55,000 people currently living with dementia in Ireland, lanIreland, and that number expected to more than double by 2036, momore and more of us are going to find ourselves in a situation whwhere we are supporting a person with dementia.

Caring is hugely rewarding, but it can also be challenging. MaMany of those who have received a diagnosis of dementia, their famfamilies and loved ones, speak of feeling isolated within their owown communities, of being written out of daily life, because family,fam friends and neighbours don’t know what to do or say, anand so they stay away.

If you know someone who is a carer, don’t be shy or think ththat they are too busy to see you. Drop by for a chat, offer to do the shopping, or sit with their family member for an hour so that they can pop out for a break.

Don’t underestimate the difference that friendship and emotional support can make. It goes a long way towards improving the health and well-being of the carer and lessens the sense of loneliness they can experience.

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign – part of an ongoing initiative led by the HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Genio – is supported by Care Alliance Ireland and Family Carers Ireland.

For more information on National Carers’ Week, visit www. carersweek.ie, and for details of dementia supports and services, including a county-by-county service-finder, visit www. understandtogether.ie or Freephone 1800 341 341

If you’re a carer, don’t forget to take care of you too. Talk to your Local Health Office or public health nurse about the supports and services available to you, such as day care and respite centres, or the social clubs and support groups run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.