There's calls for better support networks across Lincolnshire for carers of people with dementia
It comes as the Alzheimier's Society have found almost a third of carers in the East Midlands feel they've lost their identity
There's concerns the support networks available for people caring for someone with dementia, are not doing enough.
It comes as studies suggest one in three people born today will go on to develop the disease.
Four out of five (81%) carers in East Midlands classed themselves as primary carers, taking on the majority of caring responsibilities for their loved one.
Spending on average over three working days a week (24 hours) providing essential practical and emotional support, the impact of unpaid caring duties comes at a price, with almost a third going as far to say they feel they have lost their identity (30% across the East Midlands).
These figures come from an Alzheimer’s Society survey of unpaid current and former carers of people with dementia in the East Midlands, which reveals that family and friends are the backbone of their support.
Sue Wilson, of Saxilby, Lincolnshire, knows all about the pressure, and rewards, of caring for a loved one with dementia, having looked after her father Adrian for five years before his death in 2019, aged 90.
Sue, a former air force paramedic, took early retirement in order to care for her dad, who served in the RAF. She said:
“Dad was my hero. He was a great dad, and he was loved by everyone. If I had to go back and do it again I would. I was tired and only ever got a few days off in the years I cared for him, but I wanted to do it.
“You don’t always get an opportunity to look after your parents like that. I felt very alone at times dealing with this dreadful condition, but caring for my dad was so rewarding. We made him laugh, and we did the best we could. I am proud I was his daughter.”
Despite experiencing some difficult times as a carer, Sue has many fond memories too:
“Dad joined the RAF the year after World War 2 ended. He was air crew and flew on the Lancaster Bombers. He then went into the admin side. I remember taking him to a museum and they had Battle of Britain aircraft fly over. He’d been slumped in his wheelchair, but when he heard them, he looked up and knew exactly what those engines were.”
The Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people to sign up to a Memory Walk, which sees thousands of people walk for, or in memory of, a loved one with dementia.
Funds raised will go towards campaigning efforts and support services needed by people who have been devastated by dementia, including carers.
There are 24 Memory Walks taking place across the UK, including walks at Clumber Park, Worksop on Sunday, October 1, Abbey Park, Leicester on Sunday September 24, and Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday, October 7.
Alongside this, the charity is calling on the Government to take clear action to introduce a sustainable funding model, which pools the risk of care costs to provide people living with dementia with easy and timely access to personalised care.
The survey revealed the isolation felt by unpaid carers of people living with dementia.
A quarter revealed they lost friends (30%) and lacked frequent social contact with others (32%), saying that just one regular phone call from family or friends would have helped them cope (30%).
Almost a quarter also said they didn’t have anyone they felt they could go to for help (24%).
Almost a third (30%) surveyed have had to juggle caring duties with working full time, with over a quarter (27%) forced to reduce working hours.
Caring duties have also taken people away from their family and homes, with many spending less time with their partner or spouse (15%). Over two-fifths said their caring duties put a strain on their relationship (43%).
Alzheimer’s Society CEO, Kate Lee, said:
“There are so many family members and friends providing care around-the-clock to keep their loved ones tethered to the world. This vital care can be incredibly rewarding but comes at a cost – often coping with changes to behaviour and carrying out daily tasks many of us take for granted.
“By signing up to one of our Memory Walks, we can continue to provide help and hope to everyone who has been devastated by dementia. We see thousands of people, all connected by similar experiences, coming together, which is always incredible to witness. From the buzz of the crowd to the hug of a stranger who gets it - whatever you feel on the day, you won't be alone.”
Currently, 1 in 10 of the population are providing unpaid care. With one in three people born today going on to develop dementia in their lifetime, Alzheimer's Society is concerned that the overwhelming impact of caring for someone with dementia will only be exacerbated without urgent action.