Strengthening Dementia support in Waltham Forest: our visit to the Dementia Hub
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If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Across the UK, thousands of people are quietly carrying the emotional and physical load of caring for someone they love. You’re booking appointments in your lunch break, picking up prescriptions after work, and managing the household tasks of two homes. Whilst your love and dedication are unwavering, it’s okay to admit that it’s exhausting.
The quiet strain of family care
Caring for an older family member, on top of everything else, can take a toll. From cooking and cleaning to attending medical appointments and providing emotional support, it’s easy to feel like there’s no space left for yourself.
But here’s the thing: asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a step toward sustainable care. When you’re supported, your loved one is too.
Why asking for help is so important
Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to pause and reflect. Are you coping, or just getting through the days? It can be difficult to open up, but here are a few signs that it might be time to reach out for support:
- You feel constantly overwhelmed or irritable
- You have little time for your own family, hobbies, or rest
- You’re skipping meals or struggling to sleep
- Your own health is starting to suffer
Remember: you don’t need to do everything on your own.
The role of homecare in supporting families
At GoodOaks, we believe that professional care shouldn’t replace the love and connection between you and your loved one, it should protect it. Our visiting and live-in homecare services can relieve you of the everyday tasks that can feel overwhelming such as:
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping and light cleaning duties
- Personal care and medication assistance
- Companionship, social engagement and much more…Â
When we take care of the practicalities, you’re free to focus on what matters most: spending meaningful, stress-free time together.
National support charities and groups you can turn to
If you’re not sure where to begin, there are some incredible UK-wide charities and organisations that offer support for carers and families:
- Carers UK – Offers expert advice, peer support forums, and practical resources. www.carersuk.org
- Age UK – A leading charity for older people, also offering support for carers. www.ageuk.org.uk
- The Silver Line – A free helpline providing friendship and advice for older people. www.thesilverline.org.uk
- Alzheimer’s Society – Specialist support for families dealing with dementia. www.alzheimers.org.uk
- Mind – Mental health charity offering resources for stress, burnout, and anxiety. www.mind.org.uk
- GoodOaks Homecare – Offers FREE downloadable care guides for family carers.
You Are Not Alone
Many local councils and community groups also run carers’ cafés, respite care services, and wellbeing workshops, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
You deserve support too
You’re doing an incredible job, but everyone needs a break sometimes! This Stress Awareness Month, give yourself permission to ask for help, whether that’s through a friendly chat, professional homecare support, or just taking the afternoon to recharge.
If you’d like to explore how GoodOaks can help you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our fully trained and supported teams provide both visiting and live-in care to elderly family members in the comfort of their own homes. Let us take care of the tasks, so you can take care of the moments that matter. Contact us HERE.Â
