How To Help Someone Living With Dementia
There are over 425,400 people living with dementia in Australia, with more than 250 people being diagnosed every single day.
Sadly, these statistics are only expected to rise, with the number of people living with dementia anticipated to quadruple by the year 2050.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause brain dysfunction. Some of the most common forms of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia and Vascular dementia. Some of the common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss and forgetfulness
- Personality changes
- Mood swings
- Impulsive behaviour
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Inability to perform everyday tasks
What to do if you are concerned about someone’s memory
If you have noticed changes in a loved one, whether they are constantly forgetting where they put the car keys or they frequently repeat themself, the best thing you can do to help is to encourage them to seek care and support. It is important that your loved one gets a professional diagnosis to ensure they receive the right care for their condition.
The first step would be to book an appointment with a doctor, who will accurately assess your loved one and give them a professional diagnosis. They will also identify the type of dementia and recommend the best form of management moving forward. Seeking help early means the right therapies and care is put into place and will ensure your loved one continues to live the best quality of life possible.
A holistic approach to dementia care
While there is currently no cure for dementia, there is care and caring. Research has shown that familiar environments help people with dementia feel relaxed, calm and safe. At Home Instead, we support our clients to continue living in the comfort of their own home, as well as providing comfort, care, advice and training to their families.
Our professional and compassionate CAREGivers understand the struggles you and your loved ones might be going through. They undertake a Specialist Dementia Training Program that focuses on maximising abilities and encourages independence. Our training is based on extensive medical research and our specialist dementia care team can support you and your family to design a management plan that suits and supports your lifestyle.
As part of Dementia Awareness Month, and beyond, we encourage people to talk about dementia. Getting an early diagnosis and gaining a better understanding of dementia can help you and your loved one prepare for the future.
If you are worried about the care and wellbeing of someone close to you who has dementia, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You may also be interested in reading Tips For Caring For Someone With Dementia.
Alternatively, you can download our free Dementia guide which was designed to help families and carers better understand the changes their loved ones might be going through and how to help.
