Is There Any Support Available For Dementia Carers at Home?

Caring for a loved one living with dementia while juggling family and work brings profound physical and emotional changes to your life. From hands-on assistance with daily living activities to supporting changes in behaviour, providing attentive in-home dementia care often seems relentless for families.

While choosing a luxury dementia care home in London is often the best choice if possible, there is support available for those who seek to care for their loved on in their own home.

Reducing Caregiver Burnout Risk

Studies show that many at-home dementia carers report moderate to high levels of distress. Depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, social isolation and financial strain commonly emerge. Under such strain, self-care falters, heightening the likelihood of burnout.

However, prioritising your well-being means you can maintain the energy and optimism vital to sustain your care duties. Monitoring your own health and taking advantage of resources prevents reaching an exhausted breaking point.

Types of In-Home Dementia Carer Support

Utilising local resources builds a circle of support to share your duties. This gives you regular relief from the demands of constant caregiving at home. Options to explore include:

Respite Care

• Adult day programmes - Offering structured activities, socialisation and supervision in a safe environment, provide caregivers much-needed respite during the day.
• In-home sitters - Experienced caregivers can stay with your loved one while you run errands, take a break or enjoy an outing, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Overnight residential breaks - Short stays in specialised care facilities give you valuable rest and recharge time while providing your loved one with stimulating activities and professional care.

Support Groups and Peer Mentors

• Local gatherings - Connect with other dementia carers in your community to share tips, challenges and emotional support. The power of understanding and shared experiences can be immensely comforting.
• Online communities - Expand your network beyond your local area and find a virtual support group that fits your schedule and needs.
• Churches and other faith groups or community centres - Befrienders may provide company at home, and/or take the person with dementia out to day centres, lunch clubs, memory cafés and dementia support groups.
• Meal delivery and telecare services eg personal fall alarms - Many local councils offer these schemes, which you can find out about through social services.

Counselling

• Grief and loss - Dealing with the changes in your loved one can bring up complex emotions like grief and loss. Therapists can offer a safe space to explore these feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
• Managing frustration and fear - Navigating the uncertainties of dementia can be frustrating and frightening. Counselling can equip you with tools to manage these emotions and maintain your well-being.

Education and Training

• Behaviour management workshops - Learn practical techniques to navigate challenging behaviours, de-escalate situations and create a peaceful environment for your loved one and yourself.
• Communication strategies - Master communication techniques that cater to the changing abilities of your loved one, fostering connection and understanding despite memory challenges.
• Nutritional guidance - Understanding the link between diet and dementia can help you optimise your loved one's nutritional intake for improved health and cognitive function.

Caregiver Healthcare

• Maintaining doctor visits - Pay attention to your own health amidst the demands of caregiving. Schedule regular checkups, manage your medications and prioritise preventive care.
• Therapy and self-care - Seek support from therapists or counsellors to manage stress, anxiety and other emotional burdens. Make time for relaxation, hobbies and activities that bring you joy and replenish your energy.

Reaching out proactively smooths the caregiving journey by building a compassionate, knowledgeable support community. You need not tackle dementia home care in isolation.

Websites Offering Dementia Carer Support

Here are some website that provide support to dementia carers at home:

• Alzheimer's Society - This is a leading charity focused on providing support and research for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Their website offers a wealth of information, resources, and guidance for people affected by dementia, including carers.
• Dementia UK  - This website provides specialist support for families facing dementia through Admiral Nurses. It offers practical advice, emotional support, and strategies to manage dementia symptoms, catering to both carers and people with dementia.
• Carers UK  - As a national charity for carers, Carers UK provides essential information and support for people caring for a family member or friend. The website includes resources on legal and financial advice, health and wellbeing tips, and a forum for community support.
• Age UK - Focused on assisting older people, Age UK's website provides information and support for those dealing with ageing.

Assessing When Additional Help Is Needed

Despite drawing on available support, your loved one’s care needs may eventually intensify beyond sustainable in-home management. Warning signs include:

• Needing vigilant supervision but unable to safely leave your loved one unattended
• Assisting with all personal care and mobility needs
• Changes in behaviour that may impact on safety in and around the home
• Family caregiver exhaustion, illness or injuries

When around-the-clock care assistance and medical oversight become necessary, residential dementia care facilities provide secure environments with activities tailored to remaining abilities. This transition helps you and your loved one preserve joy and dignity.

KYN Provides Specialist Dementia Care

Our staff delivers compassionate support through every stage of cognitive decline at our dementia care homes. Contact KYN at +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or enquiries@kyn.co.uk to learn more about our person-centred dementia services. Our Care Guide supports families each step of the journey.

Discover how we craft care lifestyles bespoke to our residents, where every day brings meaning.