Caregivers play a critical role in supporting the health, well-being, and functional independence of people living with dementia. As dementia progresses, cognitive changes interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and manage their personal affairs. They increasingly require more support and assistance from their caregivers.
While caregiving can be a rewarding experience, it is often described as stressful and can result in considerable physical, psychological, social, and financial impacts. For example, caregivers experience high levels of stress and social isolation and have an increased risk of psychological and physical health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, and lower immunity). Caregivers also have to balance their caregiving with other responsibilities, such as their careers, family obligations, and own health needs.
Caregivers should be assessed on an ongoing basis to see how they are managing. They should be offered supports that are responsive to their individual needs and the person’s stage of dementia. Supports such as transportation or respite care services should be provided for caregivers to enable them to participate in services or activities.