Personal care can be challenging, but sharing experiences and advice online can make a big difference

If someone needs help with everyday tasks, it can be challenging for them and their carer. Sharing experiences and advice with people who understand can make a big difference.

As dementia progresses, everyday tasks can become more difficult for a person to do on their own. To maintain their health and dignity, they will begin to need help with personal care. This could include help with dressing, washing, eating and drinking.

These changes can be upsetting and frustrating for both the person with dementia and their carer.

The person with the condition might become defensive or angry if it feels like they are losing their independence. They could also feel embarrassed about needing help.

For the carer, it may be distressing to see the person struggle to do things that were routine before.

Being open about how this makes each person feel can be difficult. Personal care involves helping with tasks that are intimate and often private, so it can be a sensitive subject to talk about.

Having somewhere you can share your experiences with people who appreciate what you are going through is often helpful. It is also useful to hear about their stories and advice.

On Talking Point, our online community, there are forums for people dealing with every stage of dementia. There is also a members’ only area for people to discuss particularly sensitive topics.

For some, it can be a relief to admit that they are feeling distressed or frustrated to people who have been there themselves. For others, it means they can ask specific questions about how to cope with their situation.

Not only can this reduce feelings of guilt or anxiety, it can also help people to feel less alone in what they are going through.