Hi,
Firstly if I am posting this in the wrong group or if I would benefit from asking this elsewhere please advise. This forum has provide me with much support in the past and so this was naturally my first thought.
I am 30 years old and am the main carer for my 71 year old Dad who has mixed dementia, vascular and Alzheimer's. He was diagnosed 5-6 years ago. I live with my Nan who isn't a dementia suffer but has physically aliments and she relies on me to support her physically.
I also work full time in the advertising industry as a creative designer. I studied graphic design and visual communication at university and have worked within this field for most of my adult working life (past 7 years).
Recently I have been re-thinking my career and re-assessing my work and the role that I play. I don't find it rewarding anymore, and my enthusiasm has gone. Since looking after my Dad I feel I have changed as a person and have a different outlook on life. I mean that in a positive way, I am not the person I was 10 years ago and over the past 6 months or so I have been thinking of the idea of changing careers, and re-training, specifically towards dementia care.
I am not saying this lightly, I feel very passionate about helping elderly people especially dementia suffers and have a keen interest in if I can make this into a career. I have no medical training and cannot afford to give up work so I would need to have a paid role. What can I do, or who would I need to speak to to discuss this? Has anybody reading this swapped careers in their 30s and 40s? I am happy to volunteer to see my options but services are limited in my location.
Many thanks
Miss A
Sent from my iPhone using Talking Point mobile app
Firstly if I am posting this in the wrong group or if I would benefit from asking this elsewhere please advise. This forum has provide me with much support in the past and so this was naturally my first thought.
I am 30 years old and am the main carer for my 71 year old Dad who has mixed dementia, vascular and Alzheimer's. He was diagnosed 5-6 years ago. I live with my Nan who isn't a dementia suffer but has physically aliments and she relies on me to support her physically.
I also work full time in the advertising industry as a creative designer. I studied graphic design and visual communication at university and have worked within this field for most of my adult working life (past 7 years).
Recently I have been re-thinking my career and re-assessing my work and the role that I play. I don't find it rewarding anymore, and my enthusiasm has gone. Since looking after my Dad I feel I have changed as a person and have a different outlook on life. I mean that in a positive way, I am not the person I was 10 years ago and over the past 6 months or so I have been thinking of the idea of changing careers, and re-training, specifically towards dementia care.
I am not saying this lightly, I feel very passionate about helping elderly people especially dementia suffers and have a keen interest in if I can make this into a career. I have no medical training and cannot afford to give up work so I would need to have a paid role. What can I do, or who would I need to speak to to discuss this? Has anybody reading this swapped careers in their 30s and 40s? I am happy to volunteer to see my options but services are limited in my location.
Many thanks
Miss A
Sent from my iPhone using Talking Point mobile app