Dementia is a life-changing disease; it impacts how people function on a day-to-day basis, and as symptoms change and progress, new challenges evolve every day. A dementia diagnosis also affects friends and family, who likewise have to make changes to adapt to their loved one’s needs, exacting a physical, mental and emotional toll. The progressive nature of dementia means that care needs are ever-changing, becoming more frequent and complex as the disease advances; professional dementia home carers can provide the necessary care, reducing the risk of family member burnout.
In this blog, we have explored what dementia is, the impacts it has, why dementia care is so challenging and how home care services can help.
What is Dementia?
Dementia refers to conditions that affect the brain. There is more than one type, and while some symptoms overlap, they can also differ, for example;
- Alzheimer’s – Memory loss, confusion, and struggling to perform everyday tasks
- Vascular dementia – Loss of focus and trouble with problem-solving due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Lewy dementia – Hallucinations, difficulty moving and fluctuations in alertness
Dementia symptoms worsen over time, but this can happen at different rates. Whether slowly or quickly, the progression causes individuals to struggle with everyday tasks and keeping themselves safe, which is why dementia care is so vital.
Visiting a GP or specialist upon noticing signs that could indicate dementia allows doctors to test and assess whether symptoms are due to dementia, part of natural ageing, or something else. Whatever the outcome, the right diagnosis allows patients and families to prepare for the future.
Why is Dementia Care so Challenging?
Looking after a loved one with dementia is admirable and rewarding, but there’s no denying how challenging and overwhelming it is.
The emotional toll of having to accept a diagnosis and watching a loved one struggle and change before your eyes, in addition to the physical and mental strain of caregiving on top of other responsibilities, can be incredibly difficult and quickly lead to burnout. When family caregivers’ physical and mental health is neglected, it also impacts their loved one’s quality of care.
The worsening symptoms and behavioural changes require constant monitoring and adaptation, which may not be possible if family members cannot provide round-the-clock care.
Some ways loved ones can help family members in the early stages of dementia include:
- Keeping items like money, glasses and keys in the same place
- Putting labels on doors and cupboards
- Placing key contact information next to the telephone
- Encouraging them to keep a diary for things such as appointments, thoughts, ideas and to-do-lists
- Printing out a weekly timetable
- Marking a calendar with the date or getting an electronic calendar that changes automatically
- Writing down reminders to lock the door at night, turn the gas off, or put the rubbish out
- Buying products to help with memory problems, such as tablet boxes with compartments for different days.
Range of Behavioural Changes in Dementia
Dementia impacts people in different ways, and the stage of dementia can also influence behaviour. Some common behavioural changes include;
- Repetition – With memory loss, people with dementia may be more inclined to repeat questions and activities. While this can be frustrating, it’s essential to remain patient and offer reassurance while encouraging your loved one to find answers themselves.
- Restlessness – Pacing and fidgeting can occur due to restlessness. Finding a routine, accompanying them on walks, and finding objects to occupy their hands could help.
- Following People – Loved ones may follow you around, which can indicate feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Reassuring them they are safe and finding activities for them to enjoy while you are occupied with another task can be helpful.
- Aggressive Behaviour – In the later stages of dementia, aggression and agitation can be common. This is known as the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). It’s essential to stay calm if your loved one becomes aggressive; taking a gentle and understanding approach can help to avoid confrontation.
- Mood Swings – Those with dementia can experience fluctuating moods, so trying to maintain a comforting and stable environment may help to deal with mixed emotions.
- Communication Difficulties – Struggling to find words or losing the thread of a conversation are common. Clear and simple communication can help alleviate the frustrations.
- Apathy – Some people may no longer be interested in previously enjoyed activities. Offering encouragement or simplifying activities could help reignite interest and confidence.
The Role Of Home Care Services
When trying to manage a loved one’s behavioural changes, home care teams are indispensable. Professional carers can help identify triggers of different behaviours and provide the right support. By understanding the specific needs and personalities of each client, they provide person-centred dementia care that goes beyond basic requirements, addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of dementia.
Caregivers offer respite to family caregivers. Family members can focus on other aspects of their lives without fear of compromising care. Family members still play an important personal role, offering love and support to their relatives, without taking on the caregiver role, which can help maintain a strong relationship.
Professional dementia home carers have the necessary specialist training and experience to provide high-quality care and understand its unique challenges. Carers understand how to deal with behavioural changes, incorporate activities into daily routines to enhance cognitive function, and provide effective communication. With a holistic approach, carers help manage the complex symptoms and challenges of dementia, becoming an integral part of the dementia journey.
Dementia caregivers can provide support in various ways depending on what each individual requires;
- Personal care – washing, dressing, grooming, and incontinence care.
- Administration of medication
- Meal planning and preparation
- Monitoring of food and fluid intake
- Gentle encouragement to conduct daily tasks
- Companionship
- Communicating with family members
- Maintaining safety and dignity
The Benefits Of Dementia Care At Home
The Familiarity of Home
A key benefit of receiving dementia care at home is staying in familiar surroundings. Dementia brings a lot of changes, so staying at home in a safe and comfortable environment brings comfort and a sense of normalcy, helping to reduce confusion and anxiety. Home carers will do what they can to encourage this normalcy, helping their clients retain a sense of self.
One-to-one care and support
Receiving dementia care at home encourages person-centred one-to-one care. When a carer can give 100% of their attention to a single client, they can better monitor and adapt services to meet the needs of their client, resulting in a better level of care. Having the same carer or carers conduct visits could also help reduce confusion and unnecessary upset.
Quality of life
Dementia causes a huge shift in everyday life, and while there is no cure for the disease, dementia care services help clients maintain the best quality of life possible. From ensuring good levels of personal and household hygiene to encouraging clients to participate in activities they enjoy, individuals remain comfortable and safe while experiencing a sense of joy and fulfilment.
Providing Tailored Care and Support at Home
With various dementia conditions, symptoms, and rates of advancement and severity, customised care plans are crucial. It’s essential that carers consider client preferences and lifestyle in addition to medical needs to ensure they feel valued as an individual.
There are several reasons why it’s important to tailor a care plan for someone with dementia:
Firstly, to enhance quality of life. Incorporating favoured hobbies and activities into care plans can help people feel more comfortable and content. For instance, someone with a history of gardening may benefit from gardening activities, while someone with a background in music may benefit from listening to music or singing as part of their care plan. This provides enjoyment but also a sense of continuity and routine.
Secondly, tailored care plans help promote and maintain independence. Independence is important for confidence, empowerment, and self-worth, helping to prevent clients from feeling like a burden. While some changes may be required to keep individuals safe, there is still a sense of independence. For example, helping someone who likes cooking with meal preparation, rather than fully preparing it for them.
Thirdly, understanding client preferences and physical, mental, and emotional needs can improve communication between the client and carer. Effective communication is essential in dementia care to ensure nothing is overlooked that could impact the level of care. Understanding the client’s needs and preferences can help carers communicate effectively with their clients, which may help reduce feelings of confusion and frustration.
Arranging dementia care in Altrincham
At Beloved Homecare, dementia care in Altrincham is one of the home care services we offer in addition to domestic care, companionship care, personal care, 24-hour care, and end-of-life care.
A dementia diagnosis affects the whole family, and our care teams do whatever they can to make this challenging time as smooth as possible. Our personalised approach ensures we acknowledge and respect client individuality and tailor our care services accordingly.
Contact us about dementia care at home services.