Research

A Road Less Rocky – Supporting Carers of People with Dementia

Resource title: A Road Less Rocky – Supporting Carers of People with Dementia
Published: 2013    Author: Liz Newbronner, Ruth Chamberlain, Rachel Borthwick, Martin Baxter, Caroline Glendinning

This report found that carers of people with dementia are not getting the support and advice they often desperately need. The report also highlights key points where professionals and services can and should ensure carers are receiving the necessary information, advice and support.

Key points

  • A Road Less Rocky – Supporting Carers of People with Dementia found 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. More than half (52%) of carers said that they had been given no information on how to cope with incontinence.
  • 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.