What Support is Available for Dementia Carers?

Where to find support

Our Admiral Nurse provides expert guidance tailored to an individual’s situation helping them understand dementia, plan for the future and maintain their own wellbeing alongside their caring responsibilities.

Carers can access support through local councils, carers’ assessments, respite care, support groups and organisations such as Dementia UK or the Alzheimer’s Society. For many families, the first point of contact is their GP, who can offer advice and direct people towards appropriate services and support.

Social services can also provide practical support for people living with dementia and for those caring for them. This may include arranging visits from a home carer, providing access to day centres, offering respite care, helping with home adaptations or arranging services such as meals on wheels.

Requesting a carer’s assessment

If you care for someone with dementia, you are entitled to request a carer’s assessment from your local council. This looks at your own needs and identifies what support or services may help you continue in your caring role.

A needs assessment may also be arranged for the person living with dementia. This considers the support they require in daily life, which may include:

• home equipment such as walking frames or fall alarms
• home adaptations such as a walk in shower
• support from a paid home carer
• access to day centres or community activities
• respite care
• help with meals or daily living tasks
• moving to a care home if needed

You can apply for a needs assessment through local social services or through the government website.

Some people living with dementia may also be eligible for a Blue Badge, which allows parking closer to destinations. In England, this can be applied for online or by phone.

Could dementia care be right for me?

As dementia progresses, caring at home can become increasingly challenging. If your loved one’s needs are becoming difficult to manage safely, or your own wellbeing is being affected, it may be worth exploring dedicated dementia care.

A dedicated dementia care home can provide 24-hour support in a safe, structured environment, helping ensure appropriate care while also easing pressure on family carers. For many, this can be a supportive next step when additional help is needed.