What is iSupport? What is ‘caregiving’? If you support or look after a parent, relative, partner or friend living with dementia who would find it difficult to manage without you, then you might be described as ‘their carer’. There are lots of ways that you might provide care for someone with dementia. For example, you might: Help them look after themselves day-to-day Cook and clean for them Help them stay safe Collect their prescriptions and remind them to take their medication You might feel you are doing what anyone else would do for a family member or friend, so the term ‘carer’ could feel uncomfortable. However, describing yourself as a carer may enable you to access the help and support you need for this role. Dementia and mental health can come with a stigma, and it can feel hard to ask for help. This can often lead to feeling alone and unsupported. By educating yourself and finding out what support is available, you can better help the person with dementia. Self-care is important too. If you don’t look after yourself, then it is much harder to look after those around you. We hope that the information in this course will make you feel able to take time for yourself and get support if you need it.