Whether it’s a spouse, a child, a sibling, or a close friend, Carers are the quiet heroes who hold it all together behind the scenes. They offer love, patience, and strength, often around the clock, and sometimes at great personal cost.

who are carers?

An estimated 700,000 people in the UK are caring for someone living with Dementia. This role brings immense emotional, physical, and mental challenges, as Carers face the gradual changes and growing needs of those they love.

Carers are the true backbone of Dementia Care — often partners, children, friends, or neighbours — holding everything together, frequently at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. They often don’t see themselves as ‘Carers’. Carers are heroes!

the Emotional Impact of Caregiving

Some of the major downsides of caregiving is that Carers suffer from high rates of stress, exhaustion and social isolation. An alarming 70% of Carers report poor mental health. In addition, caregiving puts a huge financial strain on Carers and often leads to career disruption. There is a lack of respite for Carers or “time for themselves”.

According to www.carersuk.org:

The 2024 GP Patient survey in the UK found that 70% of Carers said they had a long-term physical or mental health condition, disability or illness;
The most recent NHS SACE survey found that 20% of Carers felt they are neglecting themselves;
Carer’s UK State of Caring survey 2023 found that over three quarters (79%) of Carers feel stressed or anxious, and half of Carers (49%) feel depressed. 54% of Carers said their physical health had suffered.

The Physical Impact of Caregiving

*Caring for a loved one takes a toll on a Carer’s physical health.*

Caring for a loved one with Dementia isn’t just emotionally demanding — it can take a real toll on a Carer’s physical health too. From helping with mobility, lifting, washing, dressing, or assisting through restless nights, the day-to-day responsibilities can be physically exhausting.

Many Carers experience chronic fatigue, aches and pains, sleep disruption, and even long-term health issues like back problems, high blood pressure, or weakened immunity due to ongoing stress and strain.

Without regular breaks, proper support, or time to look after their own health, Carers can easily find themselves burning out.

That’s why respite care, Carer support groups, and simply encouraging Carers to take care of themselves are so vital. Looking after someone else starts with looking after your own wellbeing too.

The Financial Impact of Caregiving

The most recent Census of 2021 found that there are 5.8 million unpaid Carers in the UK, while 1.7 million people in the UK are providing 50 or more hours of care per week.

Caring for someone with Dementia can bring many joys and meaningful moments — but it can also come with hidden financial costs that many families aren’t prepared for.

*Dementia care comes with hidden financial costs many families aren’t prepared for.*

In the UK, it’s estimated that Dementia costs the economy around £34.7 billion a year, and families shoulder roughly two-thirds of that themselves, often through unpaid care, reduced working hours, or out-of-pocket expenses. On average, a Person with Dementia may face care costs of £100,000 over the course of their condition, depending on their needs and care setting.

Many families find themselves navigating unexpected costs — like home adaptations, transport to appointments, or hiring occasional help. It’s not uncommon for Carers to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs altogether to provide the level of care needed.

While these figures may feel overwhelming, support is out there. Charities like ‘ADS’ and other local services that you'll be able to access through your council will offer guidance, respite, and emotional support — and raising more awareness is helping to push for better funding and recognition for Carers.

No one should face the costs of care alone. By opening up the conversation, we can make sure Carers are supported not just emotionally, but practically and financially too.

Why carers are so vital

Carers know the Person best and have an emotional connection with the Person. They are in a position to spot changes and needs of the Person early. They advocate for the Person during medical appointments. They also provide safety, comfort and a routine for the Person as well as a sense of familiarity, which are all critical for the Person’s wellbeing.

What a typical carer tells us

“You just do it, because it’s someone you love — but you lose a bit of yourself along the way.”

“It’s the 03:00 am moments when you’re crying quietly, that’s when you feel truly alone.”

“Sometimes, just someone saying ‘you’re doing a good job’ means everything.”

At the bottom of this blog is a link to our Carers Dementia Hour episode which includes real life stories from some of our Carers who share with us what it is really like to be a Carer.

How can we support carers?

*Offer regular opportunities for Carers to take breaks.*

Offer regular opportunities for Carers to take respite breaks, that makes an enormous difference;
Attend support groups and safe spaces - the services we run at ‘ADS’ provide just that;
Be flexible providing GP appointments;
Access to benefits and legal guidance - if we can't help sign post you in the right direction, we know someone who will....;
Provide recognition and emotional validation as well as empathy to the Carer;
As Carer Ricky advised in our Dementia Hour Carers Episode: Reach Out!

Tips from some of our members who are carers

"Reach out, ask for help, get into the community, and join groups and support groups, don’t do it alone." Debbie, Langley.
"My wife wakes up, and the first thing she asks is if there is singing on today, joining ‘ADS’ and their singing service has enriched not only my wife’s life, but mine too." Tony, Maidenhead.
"We would be lost without ‘ADS’, and their support. We didn't know anyone when we moved to Maidenhead, and their support was invaluable. My advice would be to join a local support group, and make friends who are in similar situations. It makes you feel a lot less alone,” Phyllis, Maidenhead.
"Use it or Lose it!" My wife lost interest in playing the piano and doing anything musical, now she is tinkering away on it again- amazing what a music class once a week can do! Brian, Maidenhead.