DementiaRoadmap

This report published by the Carers Trust highlights that carers of people with dementia are not getting the support and advice they often desperately need.

Download A road less rocky – supporting people with dementia

The report findings show that only 51% of carers questioned said that they were given an opportunity to talk separately about their needs and how much care they felt able to provide.

56% of carers questioned said that they had not received information about managing the medication of those they cared for. 52% of carers said that they had been given no information on how to cope with incontinence.

Other key findings included:

• Over half (52%) of carers in the survey reported difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis for dementia for the person they cared for
• More than half of carers (55%) questioned said that they had not been given information on legal issues and managing money. Many had learned about Lasting Power of Attorney too late
• Many carers, particularly those caring for someone in the later stages of the illness, felt ill equipped to deal with more agitated behaviours that might develop. More than two-thirds 68% surveyed said they had not received training or advice on this issue
• 82% of carers questioned said that caring had adversely affected their ability to work