Dementia In The Family: How To Handle It

There are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and when it hits you and your family, it can be devastating. Life as you know it will change, whether it’s yourself or a loved one who has had the saddening diagnosis. It can be difficult to know how to approach the situation of dementia knowing that there will be behaviour changes, eventual loss of memory and the idea that nothing will ever be the same again. If you’ve received a diagnosis of dementia, there are plenty of things you could be doing to ensure you get the best care possible.

However, if it’s a loved one that’s got dementia, no matter how far the disease has progressed, there are still plenty of things you can do to help them through this tough part of their life. Unfortunately, dementia does not go away and in many cases, a patient with dementia won’t remember very much if anything at the end of their lives, but here’s how you can help them.

Arrange care for them

If you’re not well-versed with dementia or, indeed, have other responsibilities in your life that mean you can’t take care of your loved one full-time, then it’s important to research what kind of care they will need. There are specialist nursing homes that welcome dementia patients with fully trained staff who understand the needs and demands of a dementia patient. You can look into hospital bed rentals so that you’ve got that peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting the care they need. You may decide that in-home care is the best option for your relative, as you know they will be happier in a familiar environment. Fortunately, there are care providers out there, like careforfamily.com.au, who offer in-home services for patients with Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, so that your relatives can be looked after in the comfort and security of their own home.

Plan plenty of activities

Just because someone is losing their memory and is experiencing behaviour changes, it doesn’t mean their lives have to come to a standstill. Planning plenty of activities that they’ve previously enjoyed, as well as discovering new ones together is a great way of spending quality time together and improving their outlook on their own life too. There are lots of organisations out there that can help execute different activities, especially if your loved one has lost their mobility.

Mental and emotional support

Looking after someone with dementia is no easy feat. It’s heartbreaking to see your loved one slipping away and at times, it can be very challenging to deal with their new behaviours and thoughts. Again, there are plenty of charitable organisations that can help support you and your loved one through this difficult process. Not only that, they can help you hone in on your knowledge of dementia and use it practically with your loved one. Remember that not only will your loved one need emotional support, but that it’s okay to need it yourself too. There is help out there, so don’t suffer in silence.

Dementia is a devastating and sometimes very fast progressing disease, so if you or your loved ones are affected, seek help as soon as possible for the care and comfort of knowing your loved one is having their needs tended to.

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