Stefan Williamson, who cares for his wife Norma, discusses with the BBC how challenging it is to be a carer for someone who lives with dementia and urges more male carers in particular to seek support.
He says that “more men need to talk about what they’re feeling. I’ll admit, I didn’t at first. Some men are perhaps too proud to talk, but it helps to talk over things with people who know.”
Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at Dementia UK, echoed Stefan’s message, saying “supporting a person with dementia is tough and there is no shame in asking for help. We know that carers often feel a deep sense of duty and pride to care and cope on their own. This can lead to a reluctance to seek support which may well impact negatively on their physical and mental wellbeing.”
With cases of dementia rising, he said there is an ever-greater need “to open up conversations around barriers” that prevent some men seeking support.
You can read the full story on the BBC News website, here.
Dementia Oxfordshire provide support to all carers and family members for people living with dementia in Oxfordshire. Our Dementia Advisers offer practical advice and information, as well as offering carer support sessions and carer education sessions.
You can speak to a Dementia Adviser to get any questions answered or receive practical and emotional support by calling our Support Line on 01865 410210, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
