Published 17th April 2019
Caring for a loved one who has dementia is no easy task. There are many responsibilities and tasks a carer for someone with dementia must carry out each day. Many people with dementia are able to function very similarly to how they would have before the diagnosis, but as the condition progresses things begin to change. Things like memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and inability to perform normal daily tasks typically tend to occur the longer someone has dementia. This is when family members and friends usually step in to care for their loved one. While caring can be a positive and rewarding experience, there are times where it can be difficult.
When caring for a loved one with dementia, it is very easy to become so involved in your caring role that you begin to become isolated. If you have to stay in a lot of the time to care you’re your loved one, you may not be able to spend time with friends. If you are able to spend time with friends, it can still be difficult to talk about any stress you are under from caring if they do not understand what you are going through. Without a support system, you may begin to feel sad, depressed, or lonely.
Having a support system and others to talk to who know what you’re going through can be so beneficial! The good news is that every Wednesday afternoon starting May 1st, 2:30-4:00, at St. Faith’s Church Rooms in King’s Lynn there will be a Dementia Café. This weekly get-together is for those with dementia and their carers to get out, meet other people, and socialise. For more information, call Penny (07796 123680) or Rev Julie (01553 770952).