Report shows that carers for people with dementia are facing unique challenges
A new report released by Alzheimers Research UK highlights the unique challenges faced by carers of people with dementia.
There are almost 700,000 people in the UK who care for someone living with dementia. The report aims to understand what it’s like to provide full-time care, and how it can affect daily life.
Caring for someone living with dementia has hidden costs, taking its toll on both physical and mental health, as well as impacting on their personal life and relationships.
George McNamara, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Increasingly, families are stepping in to provide care for people with dementia which was once provided by the state. Their dedication saves the UK around £11.6 billion every year – without them our health and social care system would cease to function.
“This report helps to bring carers’ needs and the challenges they face into focus. However, we also need to ensure that tailored advice, information and support are ready and waiting for them. Alzheimer’s Society is calling for everyone who cares for someone with dementia to have a full carer’s assessment from their local authority and access to a Dementia Advisor.
“Caring for someone living with dementia is unlike caring for a person with any other condition, often at great personal cost. Thousands of carers are reaching crisis point and are in desperate need of support. The Government has a clear obligation to respond.”
