Dementia can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, including how well they function in their home. This diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved.
Following a diagnosis, it is important to make a care plan. This should set out what sort of care you and people who care for you, might need. As the symptoms of dementia develop over time, many people eventually require support in a care home. Dependant on need requirements, this could be a residential care home or a nursing home that offer services for people with dementia.
When you’re ready, telling the people you love about your diagnosis is important, having the support behind will help you deal with anything. It’s also good to tell them what you may have trouble with, such as following a conversation or remembering what was said.
There are over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is set to rise to over one million by 2025. Recognise the signs, visit your GP and talk to your loved ones for support.
The Hollywood icon, Bruce Willis withdrew from acting last year as he began his fight with aphasia, which caused his language abilities to deteriorate – with a joint statement from his family on February 16 confirming his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which is the most common form of dementia in people under 60.
The recent statement from Bruce’s family said they hoped media attention would raise awareness of the actor’s condition. “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.”
“We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
Tips for families
Clear communication, your loved may struggle to find the right word or have difficulty following a conversation.
Speak slowly, use simple words and sentences and maintain eye contact.
See it from the other side, it can help to see things from their point of view, think about how confusing and frustrating life must be for them.
Go with the flow, it’s important to let the person you are caring for talk, challenging comments may make them feel confused, embarrassed or frustrated.
Take a break, time for yourself is just as important when caring for a loved one.
Time is precious. Enjoy every moment.
Coate Water Care has vast experience providing expert care for people living with dementia, which may include Alzheimer’s disease, dementia as the result of strokes and other causes. Our dementia care services are provided in many locations including Swindon, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Gloucester, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Let us help you find the right care for your loved ones. Please contact our team on 01793 821200 with any questions about care or to arrange a visit to your local home.
