Carer for Mum with Dementia

[julie garwood]

Hi All

Am new to this have only joined today, so dont know if I am in right place.

I just wanted to introduce myself I am Julie and I care full time for my mother who sadly has dimentia and can't take care of herself. I live with Mum now so I am with her day and night and provide all of her care.

I have joined in the hope that I can chat to people in a similar position and have the occassional whinge.

[crocus]

Hi Julie and welcome.

You might want to start your own thread to say hallo to everyone as they may not notice if its been tacked on the end of another thread. Use the "start new topic" button at the top.

[no1mum]

Hiya and a warm welcome to the forum. I've split your posts onto a separate thread so other members can welcome you properly.

[ceri reed]

Hi Julie, I joined yesterday and am in a similar position caring for my Dad with dementia. hopefully we can both pick up loads of tips on here, and feel free to whinge to me
Ceri x

[bowlingbun]

Hi Julie,
If something is troubling you, someone here will have the answer. Finding your way round the community care system can be a nightmare, there's actually quite a lot available, but finding out what, and where can be difficult to start with. I've been a carer for over 30 years and yet I'm still learning new things thanks to the forum and Carers UK.

[susieq]

Hi Julie and welcome to the forum - by the way we don't call it 'whinging' on here - we 'let off steam' : lots of it

My Mum had dementia and I cared for her 24/7 for the last 3 years of her life - sadly she passed away in March this year. It's very hard caring for a parent when the roles become reversed and in effect they become the child and we become the parent.

The best pieces of advice that I can give you are:

1) Contact your local Alzheimer's Society group - the support and advice they can give you is invaluable.

2) Come hell or high water make sure you get some proper time (half a day at least) to yourself every week, plus try to build in an hour or so each day as well.

3) Check with the Carers UK Advice Line that you are getting all the support and benefits that you are both entitled to. (contact details are here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18890)

[rachel jones]

Hi julie
just wanted to welcome you, i found these places invaluable while caring for my muminlaw and only wish i had found it when mum was ill too.
My muminlaw had dementia and lived with us so understand how difficult it is.
Remeber to look after yourself amongst everything else x

[Anne001]

Hi Julie,

Just wanted to wish you a warm welcome to the Forum. I too care for my mum - multiple problems including undiagnosed confusion, so I know how hard it can be. I hope you get some time to yourself too. And, most importantly, feel free to let off steam. I can whinge for England! Take care, Anne