Help and support for dementia carers in Surrey
Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming at times. It’s completely normal to experience frustration, guilt or worry, especially as the person you support changes and their needs grow. Many carers wonder if they’re doing enough, but there’s no such thing as a perfect carer. What matters most is that you care, and you’re doing your best.
If you’re looking for help caring for someone with dementia Surrey, you’re not alone. There’s support around you, and many other carers are facing similar emotions and challenges. You deserve understanding, guidance and a place to talk things through. Whether you need practical ideas or emotional support, help caring for someone with dementia Surrey is available when you need it.
Looking after someone with dementia
As dementia progresses there are gentle, practical steps that can make everyday life feel more manageable.
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As dementia progresses there are simple approaches that can help with day-to-day life.
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If communication becomes challenging you may find that using shorter, clearer sentences can make conversations easier. Some great tips from the NHS here.
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Keeping your house dementia friendly can also make life easier – and help you worry less. For example, good lighting and brightly coloured cloths or towels can make everyday tasks easier to recognise and manage. Useful tips from the NHS here.
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You also may want to think about ways to keep the person you care for safe. The Carers UK website has a helpful account from James, who shares the items that made a difference when supporting his mother.
I let him do anything he can still safely do – getting dressed, putting the bins out, even making scrambled eggs. These small things help him stay independent and give him a sense of achievement.
Looking after yourself
People often say that receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one is a huge shock, but many people with dementia continue to live well for years with the right support. It’s just as important that you look after yourself too and get the help you need.
- Eating well, getting enough sleep and taking regular exercise can all help you cope better day to day. If you’re finding things difficult, speaking to your GP or someone you trust can be a good first step.
- Caring for someone with dementia can be especially tiring as their condition progresses. Try to focus on the tasks that matter most and share what you can. Remember, you are only one person. Support is available, so please get in touch with us if you need help.
- Sorting out practical things – such as Attendance Allowance, a Carer’s Assessment, or registering with your GP as a carer – can also help you feel more supported and less alone.
Find out more about looking after yourself here.
Free Surrey monitoring service for people with dementia and their carers
There’s a free service, from Surrey NHS and Surrey County Council, that will monitor the health of your loved one, automatically flagging any concerns, putting you directly in touch with the appropriate help, when needed. Read all about it and how to get referred here.
Free dementia monitoring service
Emotionally
Being the carer for someone with dementia can bring additional emotional challenges, particularly as the person you care for seems to change. You may feel a range of emotions – guilt, sadness, frustration, anger. These feelings are completely normal. Many others will feel the same as you, so don’t feel bad for experiencing them. Try to notice what’s behind these emotions and give yourself space to understand them.
We can talk to you and advise on further sources of support. You could also talk to your GP, social worker or counsellor, or a close friend or understanding family member. Talking to other carers can really help – you might find comfort and reassurance in hearing from people who truly understand. Why not consider attending one of our dementia support groups if you need help caring for someone with dementia Surrey?
It’s especially important to try and look after yourself, and find some time, even if it’s short, to do things you enjoy. Small moments that give you a break can make a real difference. Getting help caring for someone with dementia Surrey can also ease some of the emotional strain.
Try and keep going, and carry on doing what you’ve been doing. And hopefully your friends around you will accept this situation. It does mean you sort out people quite quickly (ie who will stick with you.) I don’t really think you should pretend they are alright. The more you talk about it, and are open, the more people will accept it. It’s more important to be honest, say how things are, even though it’s not easy. Just accept how the person is – and try and include them as much as you can.
Support from Action for Carers
We can talk to you about your caring situation and suggest ways to help, let you know about ACS events and support groups, as well as signpost you on to further sources of help, from the council. NHS and other charities and community groups.
Support groups
We have support groups running regularly across Surrey, including some just for carers of people with dementia. It’s a chance to talk to others who understand, and share tips and advice. They are very relaxed, informal get-togethers – and are usually either held at one of our Hubs (locations across Surrey), or online, via Teams. Find out about our support groups here.
My wife was diagnosed with mixed type dementia. I was her full time carer for three years as she would not have any other carers in the house. Even now she’s in a care home, I still come to the support group and share my experience and support with others. Please talk to others – Action for Carers Surrey has shown me I’m not alone.
Online forums
If you can’t get to a group, but can get online, you may find the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Talking Point’ useful. It’s a forum for people to chat, and has dedicated sections called ‘I care for a person with dementia’ and ‘I have a partner with dementia’. Both are very active and may be useful to you if caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Events
We often run events for carers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, such as information days or workshops, usually with guest speakers.
We also have general events that may help you, about looking after yourself as a carer, and social activities. Take a look at all our upcoming events.
I have found your sessions so helpful in understanding what my mother is going through and being able to meet her needs. I do not know how I would have coped without your help and support.’
Information and signposting
We can give you information and signpost you to other sources of support.
Dementia Carers Count
Dementia Carers Count is a national organisation that supports, advocates and campaigns for dementia carers. Find out more about their support on their website, including their Helpline 0800 652 1102.
Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society works to challenge perceptions, fund research and improve care, as well as offering support, help and advise.
This includes some localised support, including in East Surrey, Surrey Heath and Farnham. You can see what support is available near you here.
Call the Alzheimer’s Society’s helpline further information and help on 0333 150 3456.
Support line opening hours
Monday–Wednesday 9am–8pm
Thursday and Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am–4pm
The Hunter Centre
The Hunter Centre is a charity in Haslemere, providing support for those living with dementia and their carers.
It’s at Marjorie Gray Hall, Grayswood Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2BW. Tel: 01428 654710.
i-Support for dementia
iSupport is a self-directed, online information programme for informal dementia carers, which was originally developed by The World Health Organisation. It’s free to use.
iSupport for South Asian carers in the UK
University College London has translated and adapted iSupport for use by South Asian carers in the UK, in collaboration with carers, healthcare professionals and community/carer organisations. iSupport is available in Bengali, Punjabi and Urdu via the UCL website. Summary posters in each language are also available to download from the UCL site.
m4d radio for people living with dementia
There’s a special radio station for people living with dementia and their carers. m4d radio is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, playing music that evokes memories. You simply choose your era, listen and enjoy.
