Coping with caring

• Looking after yourself
  It is easy to ignore your own needs when caring for someone with dementia and to forget that you matter, too. It is important to take steps to safeguard your own health and well-being, so that you can continue to cope and retain your confidence.
   
• Feelings of Guilt
  You may feel guilty, even when it seems that you are doing the best you can. Such feelings, which are very common among carers, may undermine your confidence and self-esteem and make it harder for you to cope.
   
• Short Term Care
  It is easy to carry on without realising how tired or tense you have become. A break or holiday can help you to relax and recharge your batteries. As a carer, it is important that you have regular breaks and make time for your own needs. This may mean organising some short term care for the person with dementia.