"Very little help or support"

I was my husband’s carer when he was diagnosed with dementia. Following the diagnosis there was very little help or support – the only support I received was through the Alzheimer’s Society. I just stumbled upon information by chance. You’d think it would be consistent across a city like London but each borough does things differently, in fact 4 carers of similar age that I know in the same borough have all received different advice. There is no consistency.

One of the biggest problems with dementia is that there is little clinical intervention. Following my husband’s diagnosis I asked the memory clinic for advice on accessing help and support, the only direction I was given was to contact the social services! Far more easily said than done.

It’s really difficult trying to contact anyone in social services. What would be helpful is the feeling that different agencies whether health or social care can work together to help.

Respite care has been reduced so that even a week is difficult, they would prefer you take a long week-end. It’s about what they can give rather than what is needed. Added to this is that life lines such as many day care centres have closed putting additional pressure on reducing resources making it even more difficult for carers.