Feeling overwhelmed or unsafe?
When you’re caring for someone with dementia, there are many reasons why you might feel overwhelmed and why you might be struggling to cope.
There is help available to support you with challenges and strains you may be experiencing in your caring role. These may be caused by changes to your relationship with the person you are caring for, difficulty accessing services and support, housing and financial stresses or feeling isolated and alone. Jenny Park, Director of Services, Dementia Carers Count
Feeling overwhelmed
Sometimes you may feel like a situation is escalating out of your control. This can feel overwhelming. You may even feel unsafe in your home environment. This may be as a consequence of the behaviours of the person you are caring for which are happening because of their dementia.
It can be hard to know what to do if you are worried about your own health and well-being when you are caring for someone who depends on you.
It’s important to share with someone what is going on.
of dementia carers often feel like they cannot continue to provide care
Source: Dementia Carers Count 2025 Survey
Too many dementia carers are reaching crisisdementia carers say the person they are caring for has health and care needs that are too much for them to cope with
Source: Dementia Carers Count 2025 Survey
Too many dementia carers are reaching crisisof dementia carers say the person they are caring for engages in abusive, aggressive or frightening behaviours
Source: Dementia Carers Count 2025 Survey
Too many dementia carers are reaching crisisAre you worried about keeping the person you are caring for safe?
If you are worried about your ability to continue to keep the person you are caring for safe, then you should contact your local Adult Safeguarding Team.
Are you worried about your safety?
If you are in immediate danger of harm, you should call 999.
Not sure what to do?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and you’re not sure what to do, you can call our Carer Support Line on 0800 652 1102 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) and talk to one of our specialists for advice and guidance.
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Carer Support Line
Are you caring for someone with dementia? Feeling alone, overwhelmed, or worried about money? Call our Carer Support Line free on 0800 652 1102 Monday to Friday 9-5.
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