Elder Care: Home Carers Find Dementia Too Much, According to Duch Report (Netherlands)

22 June 2009

Some 20% of people who look after family members with dementia find the job too tough both mentally and physically, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.

The research is based on interviews with 1,500 people who act as unpaid nurses for loved ones at home.

The paper says the problems facing home carers are set to get worse as the number of people with dementia doubles from 230,000 now to over 500,000 by 2050. Some 70% of people with dementia are cared for at home.

Home carers are also more likely to be sick themselves. 'They don't live as long, they are exhausted, sleep badly and can suffer from depression,' Julie Meerveld of the Dutch Alzheimer's association told the paper.

© DutchNews.nl

SOURCE: Dutch News

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Other studies in the past, have shown that carers' fatigue can result in elder abuse. Let us push for more recognition of the wonderful work done by family carers. Let us also get them the help and assistance required for them to continue with their difficult tasks. The carers' health are well-being are just as important as those being cared for.

............ AC

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