Behind The Reels: Caring for a Spouse with Alzheimer’s.

Dementia Action Week shines a light on what truly helps families caring for someone with dementia. Vivien, wife of one of our Alzheimer’s clients shares candid and heartfelt stories about her journey caring for her husband Ken. Carers from Caremark North Herts and Stevenage visit every day to assist, but what happens when visiting care is not there? Vivien shares her experiences in 5 stories with the goal of helping others who are navigating the challenges of being a 24/7 dementia carer for Ken. Her helpful advice comes in Carer’s Respite Support, Admiral Nurse, Preventing Carer Burnout and Caring for Ken.

Day 1: Overview of Dementia Topics for the Next 4 Days

On day one, Vivien shared an introductory video giving an overview of the topics to come, offering a snapshot of her experience as a carer and setting the scene for the insights, challenges, and support she explores throughout the series.

Watch her Day 1 video introduction below.

Day 2: Caring for Ken

Vivien shares her experience as a full-time unpaid carer for her husband, Ken, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Like many providing dementia care at home, she faces daily challenges, including when Ken feels uncomfortable accepting personal care from her.

With the help of professional home care services, paid carers support Ken with personal care, easing the pressure on Vivien and helping maintain their relationship. This support also gives her valuable time to rest, take the dog for walks, and enjoy moments outdoors.

Vivien’s story highlights the importance of support for unpaid carers and the positive impact of Alzheimer’s care services. See the video below of her telling her story.

Watch the video to hear her story.

Day 3: Carer’s Respite Support

Vivien shares her insight into accessing carer’s respite care through Adult Care Services. As a full-time unpaid carer, she explains how even a few hours of respite each week can provide a vital break and support wellbeing.

While accessing respite care and a carer’s assessment can be challenging, Vivien highlights the importance of persevering. These services play a key role in preventing carer burnout and supporting those providing long-term dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home.

Watch the video below to learn how Vivien navigated the system and secured ongoing support.

Day 4: Getting Support from an Admiral Nurse

Vivien shares how support from an Admiral Nurse has complemented her day-to-day role as a full-time carer. Admiral Nurses provide specialist dementia advice, emotional support, and practical guidance, helping carers manage challenges, plan ahead, and access services like respite care and a carer’s assessment.

This expert support, alongside care at home, helps reduce stress and prevent carer burnout, giving carers greater confidence in supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Visit Dementia UK to access the Admiral Nurse Helpline.

Watch the video below to learn how Vivien was able to access and Admiral Nurse’s support.

Day 5: Preventing Carer Burnout

Vivien reflects on the importance of recognising the early signs of carer burnout and taking practical steps to protect your wellbeing. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking support early is key.

She encourages carers not to suffer in silence and to reach out for help, highlighting the value of respite care and specialist support such as Admiral Nurses. During Dementia Action Week and beyond, her message is clear: taking time for yourself is not a luxury it is essential to sustaining long-term care.

Watch the video below to hear Vivien’s advice on preventing carer burnout.

What Dementia Action Week Means For You

This UK-wide campaign encourages early support, better understanding, and small changes that make daily life easier. That might mean adapting the home, setting simple routines, or arranging a care assessment. These steps can boost confidence and independence for your loved one, and peace of mind for you.

Creating consistent routines is essential to comfortably living at home This will help to reduce distress while maintaining independence wherever possible for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Carer’s Respite Support and Specialist Guidance

Respite support protects wellbeing for the whole family. Being able to plan breaks or have ad hoc care visits or overnight care so you can rest. Vivien offers advice on how to work with Adult Social Care to get a Carer’s Assessment to be able to get regularly scheduled breaks to to see friends, carry out errands or just have some alone time, knowing your loved one is safe at home with a familiar Care Assistant and reliable respite care.

Some tips for Carer’s Respite Support

Use your breaks to recharge: rest, eat well, and plan ahead.

Introduce respite early to build trust and keep routines steady.

Start with short, regular visits to ease the transition.

Keep a simple handover note: preferences, medication times, mobility advice, and favourite activities.

Preventing Carer Burnout

Carer stress can creep up. Look for ongoing tiredness, irritability, sleep problems, frequent colds, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. If this sounds familiar, speak to your GP, contact local carers’ services in North Hertfordshire, and consider increasing respite support.

How Admiral Nurses Can Help with Tailored Strategies   

• Simplify routines and use clear one-step prompts.
• Keep the environment calm, with good lighting and minimal noise.
• Encourage safe movement using aids assessed by professionals.
• Plan short, meaningful activities like music, reminiscence, or a walk.
• Validate feelings, offer reassurance, and avoid arguments about facts.
  
  

Vivien’s Videos on Caring For Her Spouse With Alzheimer’s

We support people with dementia and their families in North Hertfordshire with tailored plans, regular reviews, continuity of Care Assistants, and clear updates after every visit. To explore support during Dementia Action Week and beyond, speak to your local Caremark North Hertfordshire team. We will listen, guide, and put a flexible plan in place that blends home care, respite support, all focused on preventing burnout and helping your family thrive at home.

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