Caring for someone with cognitive impairment may at times be stressful. Assisting someone with practical activities such as medication adherence, help with cooking, shopping, and attending appointments, may all increase a caregiver’s exhaustion.  

Caregivers may be concerned about the person’s deterioration and what that means to their relationship; grief for the change in relationship – thinking about the potential loss of aspects of the partnership which may increase as the PLHIV’s cognition changes.  The caregiver can assist the person by encouraging them to have a medical review of S&S. 

The caregiver can take steps to make the situation manageable relevant to the PLHIV’s needs. Making the environment familiar; using memory prompts such as notes, calendar reminders, webster packs can be helpful in reducing frustration. Limit the number of tasks to be done and break them down into smaller steps, develop a routine. Making changes may alleviate the caregiver’s stress. 

Caregivers need to care for themselves. If the need arises, when the PLHIV’s S&S of cognitive impairment increase, accessing additional support such as for practical activities can be helpful. The caregiver needs to take some time for themselves keeping connected to their social network, joining a support group, doing things that bring them pleasure to maintain their own mental health wellbeing.  

Caregivers can access information and support. Dementia Australia is a useful website for information (including LGBTI guide). Both Dementia Australia and Poslife NSW have resources for the individual and for caregivers such as HIV associated neurocognitive disorder: Booklet for partners, families, and friends (14, 44).