Skip to content

Looking after yourself as a caregiver

Caring for someone with dementia or aphasia is demanding. Practical, compassionate ways to protect your own health and keep going.

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Supporting someone with dementia or aphasia is a long journey, and looking after your own wellbeing is part of giving good care - not a luxury. Guidelines specifically recommend that carers be offered education, skills training, and support [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2018] .

Protect your basics

  • Sleep, food, and movement for you, too. These are the foundation.
  • Keep your own medical appointments.
  • Take real breaks. Even short ones help you reset.

Build a support net

  • Accept and ask for help. Share tasks with family, friends, or services.
  • Join a support group. Talking with others in the same situation reduces isolation; aphasia and dementia organisations run carer groups [National Aphasia Association 2024] .
  • Learn the condition. Understanding what is happening lowers frustration and helps you respond with patience.

Manage the hard moments

  • Lower the bar on busy days. A short, calm interaction is a success.
  • Expect frustration - for both of you - and allow breaks without guilt.
  • Celebrate small wins. Notice what went well today.

Watch for burnout

Persistent exhaustion, hopelessness, irritability, or withdrawing from things you used to enjoy are signs to seek support. Talk to your doctor - carer stress is common, real, and treatable [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2018] .

Recognise your role

Caring is demanding, skilled work. Acknowledging that is the first step to sustaining it:

  • Your health matters as much as the person you support.
  • Rest and support are necessities, not luxuries.
  • It’s okay to find parts of caring hard.

Practical ways to recharge

  • Take short, regular breaks - even a few minutes helps.
  • Keep one small activity that is just for you.
  • Stay connected with friends and other carers.

Share the load

  • Make a list of tasks others could take on.
  • Accept offers of help specifically and concretely.
  • Explore respite and community services.

Practising together

The activities in Practice are designed to be done together and kept short - they can be shared moments, not chores.

References

  1. 1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2018). Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97). NICE guideline NG97. Link
  2. 2. National Aphasia Association (2024). Communication supports: tips for communicating with someone with aphasia. National Aphasia Association. Link