If You Live In:
South WiltsSupport for Carers
Caring for someone with dementia is one of the most demanding jobs there is.
We aim to provide practical and emotional support in a number of ways, and to signpost on to other organisations which can also help.
Click here for details of our Carers' Support Groups
Click here for details of our Training Courses for Carers
Becoming a Carer
“I probably came into caring as you did. One minute I was living my life, the next I was enmeshed in the Alice and Wonderland World of social services, memory clinics, aids, appliances and assessments. Becoming a carer is like falling through the looking glass: we discover a whole new world, one in which we must believe six impossible things before breakfast.” - carer Marianne Talbot, from her 2011 book Keeping Mum
Becoming a carer involves an enormous emotional upheaval, especially if the person you are caring for is your spouse. As well as the disruption to personal and professional life there is the stress of dealing with someone who may not be able to hold a sociable conversation, or who needs continual attention. There is also the loss of sexual intimacy and lack of emotional support, and often frustration at delays and bureaucracy from agencies which are meant to be there to help.
Carers have described the various stages they go through:
- Acute stage: where the role of carer is new and the demands are high. Support from relatives and friends is often forthcoming but due to the adjustments needed, stress levels are high. ;
- Reality stage: can be marked by feeling of anger, guilt, resentment and loneliness. Less help is available from family and friends and caring begins to affect their social and personal lives.;
- Acceptance stage: where the carer accepts that their position won’t change unless they take charge.
Carers need different services at these stages. They may need information and advice at the first stage whereas counselling may be more appropriate to deal with the second stage and they may only request respite and day care in the acceptance stage.
Alzheimer’s Support offers a range of practical services to help at every stage of the caring journey, including counselling.
Contact us or call 01225 776481 to find out more.
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We rely on donations to fund our work. This year we need to raise £190,000 to maintain our services
Download Wiltshire's dementia handbook
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