September is Dementia Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the wide-reaching impact dementia has – not only on those diagnosed but also on carers, family members, and friends. Dementia is often described as memory loss, but it is far more complex. It is a progressive condition that affects the brain, impacting memory, communication, behaviour, and daily life. Over time, loved ones may feel as though they are losing the person they once knew, which brings its own unique form of grief and loss.
For the person living with dementia, the changes can be frightening and confusing as they are unable to understand their involuntary changes. Familiar routines may slip away, words may become harder to find, and independence gradually reduces. This can lead to isolation and frustration, making emotional support and understanding essential.
For carers and families, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. Dementia brings what is sometimes known as an “ambiguous loss” – grieving for someone who is physically present but emotionally and cognitively altered. Carers often describe the heartache of losing their loved one piece by piece. Spouses may mourn the loss of companionship, while children may struggle with the role reversal of caring for a parent. These experiences can feel like a series of ongoing bereavements, long before physical death occurs.
This type of grief can leave families exhausted, lonely, and uncertain. The daily demands of caring can bring stress, guilt, sadness, and even resentment – feelings that are natural but often hard to voice. Without support, carers may feel as though their own needs and emotions are invisible.
Counselling offers a safe and compassionate space to explore these feelings. Through bereavement counselling and dementia support counselling, individuals can talk openly about their grief, frustration, and love. Counselling helps carers and family members acknowledge the reality of their experience while also discovering ways to cope. It provides validation, reduces the sense of isolation, and allows space for self-care and healing.
Having personally experienced prolonged loss as a result of dementia of close loved ones; Evolve talking therapies specialises in grief counselling and bereavement support. We understand that dementia is not just an illness but a journey of ongoing change and loss. Counselling can help you process emotions, prepare for what lies ahead, and find strength to develop resilience. It can also support you in honouring the bond you share with your loved one, even as dementia changes the relationship.
If you are a carer, spouse, or family member affected by dementia, please know that you do not have to walk this path alone. Professional counselling can offer guidance, comfort, and understanding when you need it most.
🌿 To learn more about how bereavement support and counselling for dementia carers can help, please reach out for a free (no obligation) chat.
Email: evolvetth@gmail.com or Tel. 07769102201
Warmly
Sue