Caring for a loved one who has dementia is demanding and can have a massive impact on your health.

It is common for primary caregivers to ignore their own needs and it is important to be aware of this. Research shows that nearly all caregivers experience some sort of impact on their health, including sleep deprivation, less exercise, gaining or losing weight, strains or aches, high stress/anxiety, poor eating habits, depression, putting off their own medical care and less social connection.

Empathetic support from Green Prescription has been helpful for several people caring for loved ones with dementia, by helping to create selfcare plans to suit their needs and lifestyle. Names have been changed as all would prefer to remain anonymous.

Jane shares that while the activities have been helpful, it was connecting with others that has made a real difference to her wellbeing. Jane had to leave work early to take care of her husband and found that her social world had shrunk substantially. Joining a walking group where she can chat with others is so much more rewarding than attending a group fitness programme.  

Another caregiver Rachel loves her group fitness class and attends twice a week, however, like Jane, she says “the class is great but the coffee and chatting with others is just as beneficial”.

Jack shares that he was having trouble sleeping at night, worrying about things. He decided to try a boot camp in the mornings. According to sleep expert Dr Giresh Kanji, vigorous exercise, yoga, meditation/breathing and sauna can unwind the stress nervous system helping achieve better sleep.  Jack practises all of these and shares, “I can honestly say I’m sleeping a lot better”.

If you or someone you know is caring for a person with dementia and would like to focus on your own wellbeing by getting more active, ask your health care provider for a Green Prescription or call 0800 ACTIVE for more information.