Social Network

During the course of the disease, many relatives/carers lose contact with their social network and feel their friends/family distancing themselves from them. Relatives/carers may be embarrassed about the person with dementia and thus avoid contact with others. One then risks becoming isolated and lonely, thus feeling excluded or socially ostracized.

Try to maintain your social network and be open about the illness and the situation. This will help you to feel supported. Your need for help may vary, depending on your capabilities and the type and severity of the dementia.

After the diagnosis is made, you may need the support of your social network, especially if you need someone to listen to you and help you work through emotional reactions. Gradually you will need support in practical tasks as well, and your support network may be able to help you with that. It is important to maintain your own life; your routines, hobbies and your friends/relationships. When caring for someone with dementia, it can be easy to lose focus of what is important for your own health.

• Be open about the situation and the illness.
• Discuss what kind of help is needed.
• Discuss what tasks need to be done and by who.

It is difficult to care for someone with dementia as well as make sure you spend the time together with your family and friends. If you can’t take the time to see them, the telephone and/or email are a good way to maintain these relationships and get support. If you are a neighbour, friend or someone else who would like to help a relative/carer of someone with dementia, try to think about the best way you can provide that help then talk to the parties involved.

• Think about how you can be of help.
• Ask what kind of help is needed.
• Be open and honest in your relationship.
• Do not show anxiety about being around the person with dementia.
• Find out more information about dementia.