Phone: 0161 250 5341 | Email: info@livingsupported.co.uk
Caring for Someone with Dementia: Looking After Yourself
Support for family carers of people living with dementia: managing stress, getting breaks and finding help.
In short
- Caring for someone with dementia is hard. Your health matters too.
- Ask your council for a free carer’s assessment.
- Regular breaks help you keep going. The Admiral Nurse Helpline is 0800 888 6678.
The hidden strain
Caring for someone with dementia can bring love and meaning, and also exhaustion, grief, guilt and isolation. Many carers put their own health last. Looking after yourself is part of looking after them.
Practical support
- A carer’s assessment from your local council, which can lead to practical help
- Benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and Attendance Allowance for the person you care for
- Carers’ groups, where people understand without needing an explanation
Taking breaks
Regular breaks prevent burnout. A trusted sitting service keeps your loved one company while you go out, rest or see friends. Read our guide on getting a break as a carer.
Your own feelings
It is normal to feel grief for the person as they change, as well as frustration or resentment at times. Talking to others who understand, or to an Admiral Nurse, can help. If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, speak to your GP, or call Samaritans on 116 123.
Where to get help
- Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (free specialist dementia nurses)
- Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line: 0333 150 3456 (advice for anyone affected by dementia)
- Carers UK Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (advice for family carers)
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, any time, day or night)
About Livingsupported: we offer private, non-regulated companionship, home help and lifestyle support across South Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire. We do not provide personal, nursing or medical care, counselling or therapy. Request a free home visit or call 0161 250 5341.