If you are a Carer ...

If you are a carer, the responsibility of looking after someone else can sometimes be overwhelming.

There are many things you can do to ease the care-giving process:

Learn all you can about the condition / illness / disease the person you care for is living with.

Find out about community transport - caregiver services and support groups - adult day care.

The person you care for may be a member of a group who offers care or other types of support should illness occur.

Help the person you care for to be as independent as possible.

Seek out other caregivers - doctors surgery - community centre - support groups - volunteer services - online forums - family members, friends or neighbours.

Don't overload yourself - share the caregiving process - involve other family members where possible.

Try to have a carer back-up plan in case you become ill, over-tired or just need a break.

Feelings of frustration, anger or even guilt can be quite normal when caring for someone else - especially when the illness is something which is irreversible. 

Be kind to yourself: Take time out to care for you ...

• Make some time to relax or de-stress
• Don't let yourself become isolated - keep in contact with friends
• Stay part of the community - don't cut yourself off from regular interest groups
• Keep a journal - somewhere to let out emotions and deeper feelings
• Be aware of anxiety or depression - seek professional help if this happens
• Take some regular exercise - relieve stress and boost energy levels
• Eating healthily and staying strong will help you to care for the person you lov

Doing things together can create shared moments of enjoyment. Engage in some fun activities, take a trip down memory lane or just talk:

• Bake a cake or biscuits together [remember to call out 'Yes Chef']
• Draw a map of where you live and label all the places you both know
• Make a three-coloured traffic light jelly
• Read the newspaper out loud to each other
• Plant a window garden
• Do a jigsaw together
• Find a pen-pal and write to each other
• Make a mini-photo album of your favourite photographs

Most of all, don't forget you - Your life is important too. 

Journal with tips on how to begin ~ £7.95 plus pp
Shop at www.happydayspublishing.co.uk

Gillian
more products for dementia: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk