DementiaRoadmap

Staying healthy is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for carers.

Many carers have little time to themselves for cooking or exercising, and many feel emotionally drained or stressed and sleep badly. This makes carers prone to poor health, which can be exacerbated by a lack of time to be able to see a doctor or pharmacist.

A Carer’s health check should be offered to any newly-registered carers according to local guidelines or the terms of any Local Enhanced Service.

The Carer’s check provides the practitioner with the opportunity to:

• how they are coping with caring for the person with dementia and what it means to them
• check the physical and mental health of the carer, enabling detection of any early signs of ill health and access any necessary treatment before a crisis develops.
• provide advice on financial issues such as eligibility for State financial support
• signpost carers to local support groups