Do you care for someone with dementia?
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved.
We understand that caring for someone with dementia can be very stressful and challenging and that sometimes carers can experience anxiety and depression. It's as important to look after your own health, as it is that of the person with dementia.
There is wide range of support available, from Carer's Groups, Online Groups, Memory Cafes and Day Centres. More information is available for carers of dementia at the following sites:
Age UK
Alzheimer's Society
Dementia UK
Dementia Friends
NHS Wales Help & Support Guide
Dementia Friendly Vale
Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice.
If you need specific coronavirus support and advice, please visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) support pages.
Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services. Click here for more information about Dementia Connect.
What can I do to reduce someone's risk of dementia?
Although getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, evidence shows there are things you can do to help reduce your own risk. These include keeping active, eating healthily and exercising your mind.
- Be physically active
- Eat Healthy
- Don't smoke
- Drink less alcohol
- Exercise your mind
- Take control of your health
Reduce your Dementia Risk
Charities for people with dementia
There are several dementia charities that offer advice and support.
- One of the main dementia charities is Alzheimer's Society. Its website has information on all diseases that cause dementia, not just Alzheimer's disease, including how to live well with dementia and how to find help and support near you.
- It also runs the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 for information and advice about dementia.
- Wales Dementia Helpline supports people with dementia and their carers. Freephone 0808 808 2235.
- Dementia UK is a national charity that aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. It offers advice and support to families who are living with dementia through its Admiral Nurses, who are registered nurses and dementia experts.
- Dementia Friendly Vale is a network of individuals, groups and organisations raising awareness and increasing the support of people living with dementia and their carers in and through their local communities across the Vale of Glamorgan.
- Alzheimer's Research UK carries out dementia research but also answers questions about dementia and dementia research, including how you and your family and friends can get involved. The charity's infoline – on 0300 111 5 111 – can provide help and guidance.
- Age Cymru has advice on a range of topics, including advance care planning, benefits and choosing a care home, as well as information on local activities and services for those with dementia. You can call Age Cymru Advice on 08000 223 444.
- The Carers Trust provides information and advice on its website for carers, including how to get support for yourself.
- Carers Wales is a charity for carers, providing information and advice from benefits to practical support.
- 3 Nations Dementia Working Group. The 3NDWG is a working group of people living with dementia across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
- DEEP The UK Network of Dementia Voices
Join a forum
Online forums are a good way to share your experiences of living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, as well as reading what others are going through.
Talking Point is the Alzheimer's Society's forum. It has people with dementia sharing their information and advice, and supporting each other.
Carers can also turn to online communities on the Carers UK forum.
