Guide 5 of 5 · Support
Looking after yourself as a carer
The main points
- Caring for someone with dementia is hard work. It is normal to feel tired, sad or frustrated.
- Share the care with family and friends.
- Take regular breaks, and look after your own health.
- Talk to someone. You are not alone.
Your feelings are normal
Caring for someone with dementia can bring both closeness and strain. It can give meaning to your days, but it can also be tiring and lonely. Many carers feel sad, angry, guilty or worried at times. These feelings are normal and do not mean you are doing a bad job.
Share the care
- Ask family members to take turns. Be clear about what you need — for example, one afternoon a week.
- Accept offers of help from friends, neighbours and your faith community.
- Explain dementia to others. People help more when they understand it.
Look after your own health
- Try to eat regular meals and sleep when you can.
- Take short breaks every day, even ten minutes outside.
- Keep your own health appointments.
- Keep in touch with people who make you feel good.
Talk to someone
Talking to someone can make caring feel less heavy. You could speak to a friend, a faith leader, a health worker or another carer. Carer support groups let you share tips with people who understand. If you ever feel you cannot cope, tell a health worker, because asking for help is a sign of strength.
This guide gives general information about dementia. It is not medical advice for any one person. A doctor, nurse or health worker who knows the person can give advice that fits them. Please speak to them about any worries.