GETTING OUT AND ABOUT WITH DEMENTIA PATIENTS
Our previous blog post focussed on coping with dementia in the home. Now we turn our attention to dealing with dementia when you are outside the house, sharing tips our registered carers have gathered whilst looking after Otus clients.
If you are the main carer for someone suffering dementia, you’ll have first-hand experience of all the symptoms and how hard it can be to cope, particularly when out and about in public places. It’s easy to see why you might make a decision to stay home as much of the time as possible, simply for an easier life. Any change of scene can cause unpredictable behaviour which may include agitation, calling out, forgetfulness, repetition or aggression, all of which draw additional attention to the dementia sufferer and could cause even more upset.
However, research has shown it’s very beneficial for dementia sufferers, whenever possible, to be outdoors. Access to nature has been found to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression – all common emotions for someone suffering in this way.
Prioritising getting out to take exercise is also a good idea. Any type of exercise which causes the release of mood-boosting endorphins, is believed to help reduce the progression of dementia, and has a positive effect on emotional and social health as well as general fitness levels.
Carers registered with Otus Live-in Care are often called upon to care for our clients who are suffering from different levels of dementia. We encourage them to share their experiences and the strategies they use to help minimise stress and help those suffering deal with the condition more effectively. Here are some of their tips:
Make a plan – work out exactly where you are going, how you will get there and which facilities are available in advance. You might want somewhere with a guaranteed parking space, or particular toilet facilities.
Check the venue – find out what they can provide to make your trip a bit easier. Many venues will be happy to provide you with a wheelchair or advise on the best choice of table if you want a quiet corner.
Avoid noisy places – often dementia sufferers will struggle to cope in a very busy or bustling environment, especially if there are loud noises. Try to identify quieter places to go. Avoid the busy times such as school holidays or market days.
Take baby steps – take a short visit somewhere to start, and build up to longer outings.
Stimulate the senses – pleasant smells and sounds such as those found in a garden centre may be very soothing for a dementia patient.
Shopping – try to go to familiar places, where the staff know you or your relative. Avoid large, busy shops with lots of choice. ‘Dementia Friendly’ venues are springing up across the country where staff have better awareness and understanding of how to make shopping an easier and more pleasant experience for people living with dementia.
Familiar places – prioritise visiting somewhere that might trigger memories from a working life or where the person has enjoyed taking part in activities. If they have previously enjoyed bowls, it could be a walk up to watch the crown bowling, or for an animal lover, a visit to a garden centre where they have an animal petting area.
Take regular breaks – don’t forget to take a break. You’ll both need to make sure that you are resting regularly. Looking after a dementia sufferer can be very tiring work and he or she will welcome the break too.
A live-in carer should, where possible, make sure that their client is given every opportunity to get out in the fresh air. Otus registered carers are experts in meeting the needs of dementia sufferers and have spent many hours taking their clients on outings to stimulate them or to help them get errands done.
If you have any questions about the effects of dementia, what to expect or how a carer could help you, please get in touch. We are more than happy to answer your questions and provide ‘no-obligation’ advice – we are all ‘Dementia Friends’ – 01403 710119.