When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be emotional, daunting and confusing. Whether you’re a fulltime carer or you have the support of a professional, it’s important that you’re prepared and understand how to care for someone with dementia.
The onset of dementia will mean there are behaviours to manage, decisions to make and emotions to deal with. It’s not uncommon to worry that you are unprepared and don’t have the resources required of you. However, often simple things can make the biggest difference. Here’s 5 steps to prepare you for caring for someone with dementia.
- Get a diagnosis.
If a loved one is showing dementia-like symptoms, it’s important you seek a proper diagnosis. This might sound obvious, but it can sometimes be difficult.
Some conditions with similar symptoms are treatable, so discerning between such conditions and dementia is important. Doctors who don’t have a lot of experience with dementia can be hesitant to give a diagnosis. This either means your loved one doesn’t receive the care they need or are referred to specialist after specialist, which can get costly and frustrating.
Learn as much as you can and be persistent in finding the right treatment for your loved one. Once a diagnosis is made, understanding exactly what it means is the next common challenge. While dementia isn’t curable, there are helpful resources you can locate once you know what your loved one is experiencing.
- Independence is important
Dignity and independence is important for the well-being of everyone. Dementia can impair people but it’s important to remember that they’re still present. Where possible, try to maintain your loved ones independence, involving them in decision making. Of course, this will depend on each individual situation but denying independence and dignity can have a negative impact on one’s health.
Make an action plan together which covers things like finances, legal plans, care options, and end-of-life wishes. It’s important to remember that your older loved one will have their own wishes so be respectful of their choices. Thinking of yourself as a care partner can make it easier to give your loved one an active role in decision making which is important for their independence and mental health.
- Interacting with a dementia patient
When a loved one has dementia learning as much as you can about the disease is imperative. Being able to provide effective communication and ensuring a loved one feels safe can go along way for their quality of life. There are many ways to do so, and often they’re relatively simple techniques. Here’s some common ways to help a loved one with dementia:
- Remain positive
- Limit background noise
- Speak slowly and maintain eye contact
- Recognise the power of touch and laughter
Online resources, like blogs and dementia related forums can prove very helpful. Being able to read about and hear from others in similar situations can help you learn more. Most importantly, remember to listen and learn from your loved ones who are experiencing dementia first hand.
- Promote socialising
One of the most common challenges faced by those experiencing dementia is maintaining social connections. It can be difficult when they move into care, however keeping contact with family and friends and making new connections is very important.
It’s important that your loved one’s friends, family and neighbours know about dementia and how to approach somebody with the condition. Lack of education or understanding commonly has a negative impact on the social circles surrounding those with dementia, which in turn can have detrimental effects on the individual. When talking to your loved one’s friends and family explain the diagnosis and let them know how they can help.
- Consider support
If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, it can be a good idea to begin considering care options. Modern aged care facilities, like Kew Gardens are experts in providing effective dementia care.
While you can get all the information from doctors and research all the ins and outs, a good support group can be invaluable. Finally, it’s important to remember to care about yourself. You need to be healthy and fit to be there for your loved one, whether you’re the full time carer or not.