What do I need to do as the dementia carer

Being a dementia carer

This can be a lot on you and there is a lot of expectation on the care and the dementia patient. Firstly make sure you are registered as the dementia patient’s carer with the GP. This will be important for things such as carer breaks and ensuring that you are getting the right support. You might not feel like you are carer, but if you spend a large amount of time looking after someone who needs care, such as a dementia patient, then you are their carer. This means that you will be entitled to benefits and payments to help support you, in particular if you have given up working or full time education in order to care for someone. 

You can ask for a carer’s assessment

This is a review of what the patient’s care needs are presently and what they might be in the future. It will also consider your own health and any needs that you may have. It will look at what other support you may have and identify any support needs for the patient, that perhaps you cannot provide. The department responsible for providing carers assessments is the local social services department of your local council. Contact them to make arrangements for your assessment. 

The carers assessment will look at what help that you may need in your caring role. This could be support with weekly shopping, or support in cleaning the house. They will also consider things your own well being and questions may be asked around how much sleep you are getting, whether you are up in the night with the patient, are they displaying any change in night behaviour (such as getting up or trying to go out) and whether you are eating properly. 

You are entitled to this review and don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for it. It is really important to ask for help, if you think you may need it. Especially as this review may not just happen automatically. It is important that you do not take too much on for yourself and risking your own health because of it. Think about the patient you are caring for. They may have dementia, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t feel, think or be anxious if they see you under pressure. Stress and pressure can also lead to tense environments and anxiety levels can increase for both patient and carer. The patient feels anxious because they feel frustrated at their changing state and the reliance they have on you. While you may feel anxious because of the impact the disease is having on your loved one, as well as the tiredness you can feel in having to focus on someone else’s needs. 

A carer assessment might identify that you could benefit from someone visiting the dementia patient a couple of times a week, to give you a break. It may also identify equipment which could support dementia care in the home.  

Dementia equipment

There has been a huge focus on identifying and creating products that can help with supporting a dementia carer and the dementia patient.  Thanks to the advancement in technology, there are now assistive technology products and apps which can help the dementia patient to lead a more independent life and can take some pressure off you as the dementia carer. See our article here on assistive technology in dementia care. 

There are a number of products available that can help with dementia care from reminders to help with forgetful memories, such as apps that prompt patients to take medication, to thermostats on taps to ensure that the taps do not produce too much hot water (although this can often be controlled from the boiler in newer versions). There are alarms that can be fitted to baths to create a sound if the bath is close to overfilling. Add grab rails near toilets, baths and showers and a shower chair is there is room.  Take a look at the shop for some of the dementia products chosen by our care experts.

Creating a dementia safe environment

If the dementia patient is staying in their home, take some time to think about the layout of the property and making it dementia safe. This doesn’t mean that you create a clinical environment, there is a lot of understanding of colours and lighting options which can create a calmer and better lit environment for them. We cover off in more detail how to make the home, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom suitable for a dementia patient. Remember to consider any trip hazards, such are rugs or furniture, which might be too dark or difficult for the patient to see. Any slippery surfaces should be addressed to minimise falls and slip hazards. 

Using exercise

One of the key areas of support to a dementia patient is exercise. Depending on their current physical health and taking advice from their GP as to the levels of exercise that they may undertake. 

Even a daily walk, out in the fresh air can be beneficial, as can visiting different environments. If they are sufficiently mobile, why not take them to visit a national trust garden or space. The colours and the change of scenery can be helpful, particularly public gardens which are usually well stocked with many different coloured flowers, shrubs and trees. On top of the scenery, the smells from the various flowers and plants can add to the sensory enjoyment. Many places offer discounts or free entry to carers too, so find out what offers are available before you make the trip and you may save yourself some money. Our article on exercise for dementia is available to read here.

Diet

Another key area to dementia care support and also beneficial for yourself. Research points to the mediterranean diet as being the most healthy, because of its varied use and balance of vegetables, fruits, fish, cereals whilst being low in red meat. Consider making adjustments to ensure that the dementia patient is eating healthily and regularly (they may forget to eat, or not realise that they are hungry, particularly on warmer days). We have an article on diet with more details here.

Sensory activities

This is another important part of dementia care and one which carers should help the patient to take part in. Sensory activities include any part of the five senses and can include touch and feel of materials, music therapy, both making and listening, gardening, knitting, aromatherapy to name a few. We have an article that covers sensory activities in more detail here.