Dementia is becoming increasingly common in our communities, bringing with it a host of emotional, physical, financial, and social challenges. For families providing care, the journey can be both heartbreaking and exhausting. Stories shared by carers often reflect the progressive nature of the disease and the impact it has on relationships and wellbeing. However, it’s important to know that dementia support is available – and you are never alone.
As a registered provider under the NDIS and My Aged Care, VIVA Mutual is here to offer compassion, be someone to talk to and offer professional support services.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Dementia
Grief and Loss
Watching a loved one gradually lose their memories and essence of who they are can be an incredibly painful experience. In these moments, organisations like Dementia Australia and Carers SA stand as pillars of support. They provide not only emotional counselling but also foster a community through support groups, offering a space to share and connect with others who truly understand the challenges that you are facing.
Frustration, Guilt, and Isolation
These emotions are completely normal for dementia carers, and it’s human to feel overwhelmed or guilty. Talking with peers in Dementia Australia, Carers SA, Dementia carer support groups or online can ease the emotional weight.
Anxiety and Depression
Concerns about the future of your loved one can cause distress. Please speak with your GP or healthcare provider and ask Dementia Australia to gain access to relevant services.
Physical and Mental Exhaustion
Caregiver Burnout
Being a primary caregiver can take a toll on your health. Programs from Carers SA provide support to people living with dementia, and trained professionals deliver appropriate support and respite options. At VIVA Mutual, we also offer practical respite and dementia care support services to help you regain balance.
Sleep and Energy
Sleep disturbances are common and lead to specific dementia behaviours. At Dementia Australia’s hotline or a healthcare professional can suggest tools to manage this, including options for support services for dementia clients living at home.
Time for Yourself
Many carers neglect their own health. Accessing dementia carer support or applying for short-term respite through Carers SA can allow time to recharge. Remember to always look after yourself, the impact on carers can be significant, so reach out for someone to speak to and share a cup of tea, because you are not alone.
Managing Practical Concerns
Work-Life Balance
Caregiving while working can lead to burnout. Speak with your employer about flexible arrangements or consider reaching out to services that provide dementia support or carers support.
Legal and Medical Choices
Navigating medical consent, power of attorney, and end-of-life care is daunting. Speak to your local General Practitioner, Dementia Australia or Carers SA for guidance on the options and resources to better understand your rights and obligations.
Maintaining Healthy Relationships
Role Reversals and Family Tensions
When adult children care for parents, the change in dynamic can strain relationships. Dementia and family support services, including workshops and counselling, are available to help navigate these transitions. Speak to carers SA and Dementia Australia.
Conflict Management
Disagreements among siblings or relatives about care plans are common. Dementia support groups often provide strategies for resolving conflict.
Avoiding Social Isolation
Spending time with others, including joining dementia support groups, reduce feelings of loneliness. You can find dementia support groups near you through your local healthcare network, Dementia Australia or an Aged Care support provider.
Effective Coping Strategies for Dementia Carers
- Seek Support: Find your local Dementia support group, Dementia Australia or even better just join a dementia support groups online or in person.
- Share the Load: Distribute responsibilities among family, or explore dementia carer support services and in-home help.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Maintain hobbies, stay healthy, and get enough rest.
- Educate Yourself: Enrol in training courses from Dementia Australia, or Carers SA to assist you to deliver improved care outcomes.
- Use Respite Services: Prevent burnout with short breaks, by asking a family member or a friend to assist.
VIVA Mutual: Here When You Need Us Most
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of what steps to take next, know that support for dementia is always within reach. VIVA Mutual is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to dementia support, offering in-home assistance, holistic care solutions and someone to talk to.
From connecting with a Dementia Australia to helping you locate the dementia support services in your area, our team is here for every step of the journey.
We understand how challenging this path can be. But please, don’t walk it alone.
👉 Contact VIVA Mutual today and if we can’t support you, we will direct you to the right group to speak to. Together, we can restore dignity and ease the journey for people living with dementia and their loved ones.