Caring for Someone with Dementia

Dementia is one of the most heart-breaking conditions in the world to watch a loved one go through.

Here in the UK, there are around 850,000 people currently living with dementia, though if the trend continues as it has been, experts predict that this will increase to 1.6 million people over the next 20 years.

This year alone, it is estimated that one person every three minutes will develop dementia, with 1 in 6 people aged 80 or over currently suffering with dementia.

The sad reality of dementia is that it doesn’t affect the person afflicted with the condition, it also affects those caring for the individual as well. Caring for somebody with dementia is not easy and can be incredibly stressful and distressing for the carer, which is why we have created this guide today.

Here are several tips for caring for someone with dementia.

Know what to expect

When caring for somebody with dementia, it’s important to prepare yourself and familiarize yourself with what to expect.

Dementia can cause unusual changes in behaviour including, but not limited to the following:

• Agitated or anxious states

• Confusion

• Loss of inhibitions

• Aggressive behaviour

• Depression

• Hallucinations

• Lying

• Wandering

Remember, just because these are common symptoms of dementia, that doesn’t mean that the individual you are caring for is forced to experience them all.

It may be scary, but the more prepared you are and the more education you can absorb, the easier it will be.

Educate yourself

Another very useful tip for somebody preparing to care for somebody with dementia is to educate yourself on dementia and learn as much about the condition as possible.

Read up on the condition from credible and reputable sources and try to really absorb as much knowledge on the subject as possible.

Find fun activities to get involved in

When people hear the word ‘care’ they instantly think of caring for a bed-bound patient, unable to leave the room on their own two feet. In reality, sometimes being a caregiver for a dementia patient is as simple as checking up on them to make sure they’re feeling okay in themselves.

As a result of this, you’ll find that there are plenty of activities that you can do together that will not only keep the dementia sufferer busy, but also more importantly, will also help bring you closer together and give you something to do together.

Work with health professionals

As dedicated, willing, and able you are to care for somebody with dementia, sometimes the dementia can progress to such a level as it is simply not possible for an unqualified individual to care for the person alone.

If this applies to you, you must ensure that you contact the necessary health professionals and that you work with them.

Remember, ultimately the goal is to provide the patient maximum levels of support and comfort and to give them the greatest quality of life possible.

Speak to health professionals, explain the circumstances and arrange for them to make a visit to assess the patient and the living arrangements and then take things from there.

References:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media#:~:text=There%20are%20currently%20around%20850%2C000,age%20of%2080%20have%20dementia.

‍