Dementia training for carers: An uplifting case study
Caring for someone living with Dementia comes with its own set of challenges to face. In this short case study, we look at how GAMH’s Dementia training for carers helps people face those challenges with confidence and support.
Helping an unpaid carer feel more confident in his role
When David came to GAMH for help, he described himself as feeling “a little lost”. Following the death of his wife, he took on a greater role as an unpaid carer for his mother. David’s mum is living with Dementia and had until then been relying on his brothers for care.
Stepping into a caring role late on created a lot of uncertainty for David about what to do and who he could turn to for help. He was also unsure how to be both an effective carer and a son to his mother.
GAMH offered support to David and signed him up for our Dementia training for carers course.
Practical information and clear answers for unpaid carers
Attending the training marked a turning point for David. As well as providing practical information about caring for someone living with Dementia, the training helped him feel more comfortable asking difficult questions and getting clear answers.
“I found the Dementia training for carers course to be brilliantly instructive”, he explains. “From feeling a little lost, I suddenly had knowledge, direction and a way forward.”
The training also highlighted an issue David hadn’t considered: planning and protecting his mum’s rights.
Dementia training that connects carers with expert advice
Our Dementia training for carers covers essential topics like capacity, guardianship, and the legal processes relating to care and protecting rights.
Although his mum had a Will in place, David believed that a Power of Attorney agreement had also been arranged. This was not the case, and armed with a greater understanding, David was able to seek legal advice and begin the guardianship process for his mum.
“The training didn’t turn me into an expert, but it put me close to people who are experts”, David explains. Being able to spend time with knowledgeable people and to ask questions in a relaxed and supportive setting was essential in building David’s confidence.
For him, conversations over a cup of tea made complex subjects feel more manageable and built his confidence enough to take practical action on behalf of his mum.
Helping carers appreciate the time they spend with their loved one
The practicalities of caring and navigating courts or health services can leave carers with little emotional capacity for a positive relationship with their loved one. GAMH’s Dementia training helps carers understand how to focus on the relationship with the person they care for. In David’s case, training helped him to appreciate the time he spends with his mum.
“I feel more able to be patient and caring. My mum is still there, so I enjoy the time we share”, he says.
Dementia training for carers that makes a real difference
David’s experience shows that accessible Dementia training can make a meaningful difference to an unpaid carer. Gaining great knowledge, confidence and assurance in navigating legal processes replaced the initial uncertainty he’d experienced. More importantly, the training empowered David, giving him the confidence to advocate for his mum while also enjoying the time they spend together.
To learn more about GAMH’s Training for carers or how to access support for unpaid carers, visit the Carers section of our website.
If you live in north-east Glasgow, or the person you are caring for does, you can access our services. You can self-refer for carer support from GAMH online or by telephoning 0141 404 3769 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Learn more about our support and advice for unpaid carers, including peer support groups and our other carer training courses.
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