Help for those who help

These are photos for a project that sheds a light on the stories of those who care for their partners who have dementia. The love and care, and also the sadness and vulnerability, can be felt when you look at the photos.

Caring for someone with dementia is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding for the carer and the care required is also expensive. On top of that, full-time care is almost always needed. Many carers have to cut back on their paid jobs and therefore earn less, while the overall commitments increase. As one woman stated, whose husband has dementia: “I’m the engine for both of us. Unfortunately, I’m not an electric motor that runs the same every day.” The solution? Another woman suggested a care manager would be helpful, to provide the right mix of support, relief and advice. Help is needed for those who help, because carrying the burden alone is too much.

When I took photos of these women while they were taking care of their husbands, I perceived them as being very warm-hearted and patient, with love for their life partner. On the other hand, I also felt their tiredness, the sadness and furthermore their frustration. I’m glad that I’ve been able to capture the strength of these women as well as their vulnerability.