Caring for someone with dementia
2-minute read
Caring for someone with dementia is a big responsibility. It can be very rewarding, but it can be physically and emotionally challenging as well. It may affect your lifestyle and life choices. You will also need a lot of patience, compassion and understanding every day.
As a carer of a person with dementia, you will want to do everything you can to support and reassure the person you care for, while helping them to be as independent as possible.
Planning ahead can help minimise the stress on you and your family. It can help you know what might be coming, so you can have strategies in place to deal with particular situations.
Your planning might include organising regular respite care so you can have a break from your caring role, because it is important to look after your own needs as well.
It might also include working out what will happen to the person you care for if you are no longer able to continue in your caring role.
Are you a carer or helping someone out?
Carers are everyday people who provide unpaid and ongoing care and support to someone they know who has a disability, mental illness, drug or alcohol dependency, a chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.
Support for carers
Find practical information and useful resources for carers on Carer Gateway. You can also learn more about carers' support and services in your state or territory through Carers Australia.
Talking about your situation and feelings with health professionals and other carers may help you to cope better. Some organisations run support groups where carers can meet and share their stories.
Everyone’s dementia journey is different, but there is information and support available to help make that journey easier.
Help for dementia carers - expert advice
It is important that carers have access to a range of support such as financial, emotional and physical assistance. Watch the video below about the importance of help for dementia carers.
Read the related video transcript
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Last reviewed: October 2018
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Your Brain Matters - Step 3 - Mentally challenge your brain
About the Your Brain Matters programStep 1 - Look after your heartStep 2 - Do some kind of physical activityWhat else can you do to avoid dementia?Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for questions, information, advice
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Your Brain Matters
About the Your Brain Matters programStep 1 - Look after your heartStep 2 - Do some kind of physical activityWhat else can you do to avoid dementia?Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for questions, information, advice
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Dementia Australia | Further reading and resources
Publications Our help sheets provide a range of useful information, specifically addressing the needs of people diagnosed with younger onset dementia and their families and carers. Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker Program
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A Day in the Life of a Patient With Dementia
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Depression in dementia | Issue 6 | Volume 38 | Australian Prescriber
People with dementia of any type have a high incidence of major depression.
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Managing behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia | Issue 4 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
Behavioural and psychological symptoms are perhaps the commonest complication of dementia syndromes.
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Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia and mild cognitive impairment | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: We found evidence that psychological interventions added to usual care can reduce symptoms of depression and clinician-rated anxiety for people with dementia
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