December 2015
Our report shines a spotlight on the daily challenges of caring for a loved one who has dementia.
Our report explores the experiences of people who are caring for family members with dementia, highlighting the heavy toll the condition can take on family carers. Dementia in the Family: The impact on carers shines a spotlight on the daily realities for these people, which are shared by many of the 700,000 people in the UK who are caring for a loved one with dementia.
In-depth interviews with the carers reveal how dementia changes family relationships, leaves people socially isolated, and affects both the health and finances of family carers. All too often, family carers sacrifice their own well-being to ensure their loved one has the best care possible. Their experiences underline the urgent need for research to make breakthroughs possible.
Dementia in the Family: The impact on carers
Watch the families featured in the report, and actress Phyllida Law, who helped to launch the report, share their experiences of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Phyllida Law’s story
Phyllida Law, mother to actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson, tells of her experience of looking after her mum, Meg, for several years after dementia took hold.
Pedro and Mary’s story
Pedro cares for his mum Mary who has Alzheimer’s disease. Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease by her GP when she was 66, a diagnosis that came as a huge shock to the family.
Mary and Donald’s story
Mary, the second youngest of 15 siblings, lives with and cares for her eldest brother Donald. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 and needs constant supervision.
Linda and Bill’s story
Bill lives with his daughter Linda after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2012. Linda used her savings to build an extension to her home so Bill can have his own area of the house.
Donald and Lilian’s story
Donald and Lilian have been married for over 60 years. He’s been Lilian’s sole care giver since her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in 2013.
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With your support, we can make sure people living with dementia and research into the condition remain a national priority.