News

Launch of toolkit to support carers of people with dementia

Research by the Carers Trust found there are ten critical points in a carer's journey when support is needed from professionals.

The Carers Trust has launched a toolkit to support nurses and other healthcare professionals working with carers of people with dementia.

It brings together information, advice and links to resources that professionals can share with unpaid carers.

Reaserach by the charity found that although there is no typical caring experience, there are ten critical points when, if support and advice had been available, the experience of caring for someone with dementia would have been easier.

The toolkit is split into these ten sections, which include when dementia is diagnosed, when the carer takes on their role, when the person with dementia loses mobility and when the carer has to cope with behavioural problems.

Tips in the toolkit include preparing carers of people with dementia for possible continence issues, giving carers enough time to remove any hazards in the home, and providing carers with referrals to dementia services at an early stage.

The trust’s policy and development manager for mental health Ruth Hannan said: ‘Carers wanted help and advice at critical points along their caring journey and this toolkit will help professionals identify these points.’

Click here to download the toolkit