Caring for somebody living with dementia

Caring for somebody who has dementia can be rewarding but can also at times be very challenging.

It’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing as well as the person you're caring for.

The healthy lifestyle information on this website provides information that can help you.

You may experience feelings of loss and grief throughout and after your time of caring for someone with dementia.

Living grief and bereavement is a project run by together in dementia everyday (TIDE), that focuses on the complex feeling of grief carers can experience when they care for a person with dementia. You can watch, read and listen to the experiences of other carers on their website. There are also booklets you can download.

You're entitled to an assessment of your own needs as a carer to see what support may be available to help you.

You may also have to manage the personal and financial affairs of the person you're caring for.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 allows people not able to manage their own finances to nominate someone to look after their affairs for them and make financial and lifestyle decisions for them. To put this in place, you'll need to draw up a binding legal document called a lasting power of attorney.

See the council website for more information about caring for someone and the support available.

You can also visit the Signpost Stockport for Carers website, an independent local charity who've been supporting carers for more than 30 years. You can also find information about the options for carers allowance, day support, home care, long term care, residential care and funding.

Useful resources

Dementia Carers Support group

This group offers support to help carers improve their lives, counselling, walks, form filling and more. Call 0161 442 0422 for more information. you can find them at the Heaton Centre in Stockport.

Stockport Dementia Care Training

Stockport Dementia Care Training offers free training for carers after diagnosis and when dementia is at a more advanced stage. Call 0161 442 0422 or email stockportdementiacaretraining@nhs.net

Signpost Stockport for Carers

An independent local charity which provides free, confidential information, training and support to unwaged carers in Stockport. Call 0161 442 0422 for information.

Alzheimer’s Society

You can download Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide from the Alzheimer’s Society website. It includes information about dementia and how it will affect a person over time.

Age UK

Visit the Age UK website for tips and advice to help you care for someone with dementia.

CarersUK

CarersUK offers expert advice, information and support. You can also join their online forum where you can connect with other carers. There's also a forum for issues specific to caring for someone with dementia.