Poll: Dementia caregivers often feel isolated and alone

A poll suggests that thousands of people who care for loved ones suffering from dementia are left to deal with the situation alone.

A survey conducted by the Royal Voluntary Service revealed that 37% of respondents who care for loved ones suffering from dementia received no support after their diagnosis. They felt helpless, alone and unable cope.

It added that for nearly one third (30%) of respondents, they had no one to whom they could turn for help or advice, whether it was a family member, friend or professional.

The research combined a survey conducted by 1,000 UK unpaid caregivers of people with dementia, with a separate poll of 2,000 GB adult respondents.

Caregivers surveyed felt heartbroken (40%) helpless (35%), alone (27%), and incapable of coping (26%). More than one fifth (22%) of respondents said that their situation caused them to question whether life was worth living.

Royal Voluntary Service has now called for immediate action in response to these shocking statistics to fill gaps in service delivery to help more people living with dementia to enjoy a good quality of life.

There is not enough support for caregivers of loved ones with dementia, according to more than half of respondents (51%) (and 92% of those aged 55+).

Over a fifth of the carers (22%) who responded to our survey said that any help offered was far away or difficult to get. The same number of carers said the distance made it impossible for them to attend. Nearly half (49%) of respondents said that the support signposted was at least four miles away.

Dr Rachel Fox is the national dementia development manager for Royal Voluntary Service. She said, “Dementia will be a growing problem, with rates projected to reach 1.4 million people by 2040. As the effects are wide-ranging and there is no medical treatment available yet, it’s more important than ever to provide support for all those affected.

Our study found that too many people are either receiving the support available to them in their locality or none at all.

She added, “We must put an end this inequitable and limited service provision that is often located miles from home. It leaves so many people with dementia and caregivers without anyone they can turn to.”