Do you remember when you last had some time to yourself?
If you are caring for a parent with dementia it was probably some time ago. You may well be feeling stressed and exhausted; trying to care for a parent, while working, running a household and looking after children.
However, the importance of looking after yourself cannot be over emphasised. Looking after your health will help you feel, and cope with caring, better.
Support Is Available
There is advice and support available for you and your family: guiding you through this emotional time and help you ensure your needs are met.
Alzheimers.co.uk acknowledge that carers experience a wide range of emotions. Feelings of frustration, anger and grief are normal reactions to what is a difficult time for yourself and your family. This can be compounded by the accompanying guilt.
It is difficult to share your feelings with those who are not in a similar situation to yourself. Support groups are a place where you can get emotional support from those who know the challenges you face daily. The Alzheimer Society’s website can guide you to your nearest group.
Time may be at such a premium that you may find it hard to leave your home. You could try an online forum that you could join remotely and this may the option likely to be available whilst covid restrictions are in place. The Dementia Talking Point is run by the Alzheimers Society and Carers UK have their own discussion area online. You can feel less alone by talking to others about your feelings and you can also share advice about what works when you are caring for your parent.
Memories & Reminiscence
Another source of both emotional support and practical advice is a memory café. This is an activity that yourself and your parent can enjoy together. Quite often there are professional carers in attendance that you can talk to in confidence. Games and music sessions are just two examples of entertainment that your loved ones can participate in.
Alzheimers.org.uk outline the importance of reminiscence to dementia suffers. Making memory boxes and looking at photos are encouraged at the cafes. The conversations sparked by sharing these with your parent are special moments; the quality of both your lives will be improved immeasurably. Age UK Trafford< can signpost you to a local group when COVID restrictions are lifted.
Extra Help
It is important to be realistic about how much you can fit into one day. Re-evaluating what your current priorities are would help you focus on what you are able to do when caring for your parent and what you may need some extra help with.
Having a carers assessment from your local authority could help with this. Say what other commitments you have, as well as your financial and legal situation. It is important to be honest about how you feel as well as about your physical health. The assessment could then inform you on what help you are eligible for be it financial, emotional or practical.
Citizens Advice can advise on your legal standing regarding flexible working hours as well as the carers credit to ensure your pension is not affected by changing your working pattern. You may even be entitled to a carers allowance so it really is worthwhile taking guidance. Local carers organisations could provide you with essential training to help you care for your parent in the best way possible and if you are struggling emotionally counselling sessions could be arranged to help you examine your feelings.
Take Time Out In Urmston
To care for your parent the best you can you need to have breaks. Dementia UK emphasise how time apart is good for the person you care for as well as for yourself. Any tensions and frustrations that are part of your everyday life are eased. Even a short period of time can make all the difference.
You can take the time to look after your own health. Get regular health checks from your GP and keep yourself fit by exercising. You could explore move Urmston which recently reopened after a seven million pound refurbishment. It offers a wide range of fitness classes to suit a variety of interests.
How about spending time doing a hobby you enjoy? If you are artistic nearby Creative Art Courses is a local studio dedicated to learning drawing and painting.
But how can you make time for yourself when your parent is so dependent on you?
Dementia Care in Urmston
Alzheimers.net advocate day centres as an option for your parent to have their own social needs met as well as providing you with some essential me-time. They often plan engaging new activities as well as offering a fresh environment. Alternatively, your local authority might be able to provide a befriending service.
To enable your parent to maintain their independence in their own home a more holistic package is possible from Beloved Homecare in Urmston. We can provide different levels of dementia care: from light housework duties and companionship right through to assisting with personal care. Be reassured that our staff receive expert training in our person-centred approach. Your parent’s needs and wishes will be at the forefront of their bespoke care plan. This covers all areas where they need support which, in turn, gives your family some breathing space.
Having some time to yourself will help you identify areas of your own health and wellbeing that need taking care of. Ultimately, your parent will benefit when it comes to you taking care of them.