TAKING CARE OF THE CARERS

Looking after someone with dementia is an incredibly demanding task that often leaves the carer feeling exhausted and lonely. No wonder studies have shown that 40 per cent of the estimated 670,000 Brits** in this role experience depression or anxiety.

It’s often hard for a carer to remember, or accept, that they have to look after their own health and happiness, too, but it’s vital, as Unforgettable’s Family Guide to Dementia explains. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting plenty of sleep can help, but so, too, can creating time to enjoy your own hobbies or just meeting a pal for a coffee. This helps us cope, but is often the first thing we stop doing when trouble hits.

Alternatively, find things you can do together – social groups for people with dementia and their carers, with activities like singing, dancing and yoga, are springing up all across the UK.

Reminiscing has been found to help, too, so why not see if there’s a Memory Café or Reminiscence Therapy near you which can help boost your mood?

Find out what’s going on locally for dementia sufferers and their carers through the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect service, available on their website at alzheimers.org.uk.

Getting out of the house is important, so you don’t feel too cut off. But if getting in and out of the car is a problem, why not invest in a rota-cushion (£33.99,

betterlifehealthcare.com) to help? Alternatively, their mobility scooters start from just £395 and let you get out and about like you used to.

It’s often hard for a carer to remember, or accept, that they have to look after their own health