Alzheimer’s disease can be all consuming - for the carer and patient. It is essential that you remember to look after yourself, mentally and physically.

Support groups can be enormously helpful in all aspects of caring for a person with the disease.  In the first instance it is good to know that you are among people who understand the difficulty of the situation in which you find yourself.  Knowing that others are going through the same thing is a great comfort, and it is easily forgotten when a disease such as this takes over your life.

Support groups can also help with practicalities such as finding local caring services, raising money for travel, and making difficult decisions regarding the future. 

Even to people whose relatives are already in a nursing home, or are no longer living, support groups can be beneficial just to talk over the emotional side of the disease with others affected by it. 

You may be lucky enough to have your own support group of family and friends, who care for both of you and will notice when things are becoming difficult.  Listen to what they have to say; they may be in a better position than you to realise that you need help yourself.  Whenever help is offered, accept it.  There is no benefit in taking everything on yourself. 

Respite care can provide a well-needed rest for the carer and for the patient.  Some may be reluctant to hand over their caring responsibilities, but it is important to remember that you are of more use and comfort if you are healthy, well rested and emotionally recharged.

03/06/2009