Day centres

Day centres can be great for both the person with dementia and you. They allow you to have an all important break, while the person you care for has the opportunity to socialise. 

Some carers feel mixed emotions abut day care. Some people feel guilty about sending the person they care for to a day centre. They think it is a sign that they can not cope. 

We all need a break every now and then and a day centre is a great way of getting this break. There is no shame in this at all, plus a variation in routine can benefit you both.

You should ask social services if the person you care for can attend a day centre in your area. Day centres can provide activities and company. They can sometimes even facilities such as chiropody and hairdressing.

They also offer you a vital regular break from caring. There are some specialist dementia day centres and also some that welcome people with mild dementia. 

It is important to try and make the transition to day centre as smooth as possible for the person you care for. Try asking someone from the day centre to pop round and have a chat about it with both you.

This way the person you care for has a familiar face when they start going to the day centre. Also it may help to stay with the person you care for the first time just to make sure that they enjoy it. 

Day centres are a great way for you both getting a break from the normal routine. It can take a while to find the right day centre but when you do it will be rewarding for both of you.