Taking care of yourself

Taking a break

Taking a break from caring, often called respite or respite care, is important for anyone providing day to day care for someone with dementia.


Your feelings

Caring for someone with dementia can be very rewarding. It can also be difficult, exhausting, lonely, and at times, overwhelming.


Using respite care

Respite care enables families and carers to have a rest, go out, attend to business or go on a holiday. Many people find that a regular break means that they can recharge and avoid burn out. It also gives a person with dementia an opportunity to socialise and meet other people.


Coping after the death of someone with dementia

Some people find that they have grieved so much during the course of the illness that they have no strong feelings left when the person dies. However strong feelings may surface at a later time, sometimes quite unexpectedly.