Did you know 4 out of 10 carers of people living with Dementia suffer depression and anxiety?

In September 2012 Karen Patrick walked part of the Great Wall of China for Dementia Care.
 

Her story is related in her book 'Scaling the Dragon's Back' which is available from Amazon for Kindle, Barnes and Noble for Nook, on Kobo and on all other formats from theendlessbookcase.co.uk

Her book is sold in support of Dementia Care. 

In my blog dated 9th July 2014 I wrote of the loneliness and isolation of many dementia sufferers and those caring for them as often their friends slowly disappear as this dreadful illness progresses. 

Since my blog, University College London (UCL) has published survey results based on a number of studies around the world, which found 40% of people looking after loved ones with dementia are clinically depressed or suffering from anxiety.  Professor Gill Livingston said "caring for a relative with Dementia can be particularly taxing because of the length of the illness and its nature."

Sunday September 14th is National Dementia Carers' Day. To live well with dementia means having the right care.  If you know anyone, a relative, friend, or colleague who is caring for someone living with dementia why not show them you care and are thinking of them.  Pay them a visit at home, ring to catch up, send flowers or a card.  Maybe even plan an outing or give them a break, some time away from caring for their loved one.

 

The intent of National Dementia Carers’ Day 2014 is to recognise and celebrate the efforts of the thousands of informal carers across the UK who provide support for a loved one with dementia.  To recognise and share what it means to be a dementia carer.  National Dementia Carers’ Day is a UK-wide awareness day, falling within World Alzheimer’s Month.

There are currently 800,000 people today living with dementia in the UK, many of whom are cared for by loved ones, friends and other important people in their lives.  In the UK alone it is estimated 1,000,000 people will be diagnosed with dementia in the UK by 2025, which means many more will be thrust into the role of becoming a family carer.  National Dementia Carers’ Day has been created to recognise and celebrate carers.

Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses put family carers and people with dementia at the heart of everything they do.  Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give practical and emotional support to families affected by dementia. To donate visit https://www.dementiauk.org/  

Learn more about the work of Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses from my blog post  http://kephr.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/admiral-nurses-never-heard-of-them.html

To read my blog on the loneliness and isolation of those living with dementia and their carers   http://kephr.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-loneliness-and-isolation-of.html