Dementia carers feeling overwhelmed

Over half of people caring for a loved one with dementia and cognitive performance issues are overwhelmed, while many also say they are finding themselves feeling “distressed” or “angry”.

Data from 35,500 comprehensive home care assessments has been analysed for the first time in New Zealand, thanks to an assessment tool from interRAI.

The results starkly highlight the extraordinary load family and friends shoulder when they care for someone living with dementia.

Fifty five per cent of family or friends who care for a person living with dementia report feeling overwhelmed by the person’s support needs.

Forty four percent of primary carers report feeling distressed or angry because of the demands of caring for their loved one.

“This information shows how dramatically dementia changes the lives of the people living with it, together with their families, friends and communities,” said Catherine Hall, Chief Executive of Alzheimers NZ.

“Providing care and support for somebody with dementia is extraordinarily challenging and many carers report feeling distressed or angry because of the demands of caring for their loved one,” she added.

“We urge people living with dementia, and their family and friends, to get help early. Your local Alzheimers organisation and your local DHB are only a phone call away.”

• One in four interRAI Home Care assessed clients in 2016/17 had a formal diagnosis of dementia.

• 35% of home care clients with dementia and cognitive performance issues require extensive assistance or are completely dependent.

• 18% of homecare clients with dementia and cognitive performance issues receive full time unpaid care from family or friends, more than 40 hours per week, compared to only 4% of clients without dementia.

• One in three assessed home care clients living with dementia and cognitive performance issues have daily episodes of troubling behaviours, for example, wandering, being verbally or physically abusive, or resisting care.

• 44% of primary carers report feeling distressed or angry because of the demands of caring for their loved one.

• 55% of family or friends who care for a person living with dementia report feeling overwhelmed by the person’s support needs.

If you think you or a family member with dementia need support:

• See your GP for a diagnosis

• contact the needs assessment service at your local District Health Board

• call 0800 004 001 to get in touch with your local Alzheimers organisation