WHAT IS DEMENTIA AND HOW CAN WE HELP?
Dementia is regularly in the headlines, but over the next few weeks, there will be more of a focus in the media, stimulated by Dementia Awareness Week which starts next week (15 – 21 May). So this month, we are looking at the effects dementia can have on the sufferer and how family members and carers can help those suffering feel more comfortable. Dementia can be scary for both the sufferer and their loved ones. But to quote the Alzheimer’s Society “we believe that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.”
The UK’s ageing population and improvements in diagnosis have both contributed to a huge rise in the number of cases of dementia reported. It is estimated that 850,000 people are living with it today, but, according to the charity, Dementia UK, this could rise to over a million by 2025.
Dementia is a broad umbrella term, used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders. Every individual will experience it in a unique way and may be suffering from a combination of different diseases that are damaging the brain. Symptoms can include difficulty with communication, memory problems and reduced cognitive ability.
Alzheimer’s disease is just one type of disease which causes dementia. It’s actually the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease affect five main areas – memory, cognitive ability, insight, language and spatial awareness.
Perhaps you have had your suspicions that a parent or relative is experiencing dementia for a while – sufferers often rely on habits and routine to cover up their symptoms – but eventually a visit to the GP will be unavoidable. Getting a confirmed diagnosis can be something of a shock.
You may be wondering what you can do to support the person in their home, to minimise symptoms and make everyday life as easy and comfortable as possible. Whether you intend to care for your relative yourself or engage a company such as Otus Live-In Care, there are some simple steps that you can take to ease the stress associated with dementia – both for the person affected and the carer. Here are some tips:
Personal Care – help your relative maintain their routines for as long as they can. If your relative needs help with washing and bathing, take their feelings into consideration. If it’s one of your parents he or she may not want their child doing this for them, or conversely, they may prefer a close relative helping with personal care, rather than a stranger. Try to find out how they feel about this.
Clothing – this is a surprisingly important factor for dementia patients. What you choose to wear is a way of expressing identity and personal style, and it’s best to help someone suffering from dementia to maintain these facets of their personality.
Be Active – Encourage your relative to get involved in hobbies they have enjoyed in the past. Activities that help to stir memories, encourage emotional connections with others or self-expression will help sufferers to feel more engaged with life.
Bear in mind that some activities they’ve done in the past will now need to be adapted for their safety or practicality, and that some pastimes your relative once enjoyed may now make them feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Here are a few activities which Otus registered carers have found help stimulate and prompt the memory of their clients:
Listening to music – this can help them to recall past activities, provide a sense of familiarity, and encourage relaxation. It may also lead to dancing, touching of hands or hugging, all of which stimulate emotional security and memories.
Baking a cake – any activity which provides cognitive stimulation have a positive effect on memory and thinking.
Exercise, such as yoga or walking – the better they feel, the more they can enjoy life. Maintaining physical fitness should still be a priority.
Look out for our next blog, which will focus how getting out of the house can benefit dementia suffers. In the meantime, if you’ve got questions about this topic, or how Otus could help with your care needs, we’d love to hear from you. Call the Otus Live-in Care team on 01403 710119 without obligation.