Guide
Better health for people living
with dementia
Nutrition for carers
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can be a strain for carers. The nature of their role puts them at risk of having poor eating habits and nutrition themselves.
This is particularly so for some carers who may not have prepared food all that often in their lives. Or for those who are frail, or have health or mobility problems, or who are exhausted and feel overwhelmed by the added tasks of providing nutritious food.
Practice points
All allied health professionals:
- have a role to play in the identification of carer stress and any associated issues of nutrition.
Dietitians, occupational therapists and dental professionals:
- have a direct role in offering support to carers
- identify problems early to maximise help and minimise distress
- provide information and training to assist them in their caring role.
The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government funded initiative.