Dementia is a journey that affects not only the individual diagnosed but also their loved ones. Providing care for someone with dementia requires patience, understanding, and above all, compassion.
Dementia is not a single disease, there are different types: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia, each present unique challenges, and symptoms, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Regardless of the type, individuals with dementia are still people with feelings, desires, and a rich personal history.
How to care for someone with dementia?
Empathy allows carers to connect on a deeper level, understanding the emotions behind the behaviours often associated with dementia. Communication can become challenging as dementia progresses, but it remains a vital tool for maintaining a connection and dignity. Speaking slowly and clearly, using simple language and gestures to aid understanding is vital. Listen attentively and validate the person’s feelings, even if their words seem confused.
Environmental factors play a significant role in dementia care. Designing a space that is safe, calming, and familiar can help reduce agitation and confusion. Minimise noise and clutter, ensure adequate lighting, and incorporate familiar objects and routines to provide a sense of security. This is why home is best! Through visits from carers or the presence of a live-in carer, maintaining a consistent daily routine can ensure peace of mind for loved ones, knowing that their family member is receiving personalised, one-on-one care.
While dementia may limit certain abilities, it’s essential to preserve the individual’s sense of independence for as long as possible. Offer choices and opportunities for meaningful engagement, allowing the person to participate in activities that align with their interests and abilities. A carer can assist an individual in going for walks, afternoon tea, or attending activity groups of interest to the person.
Dementia care is a journey of love, patience, and compassion. By understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia, practising empathy, and creating a supportive environment, carers can make a profound difference in the lives of those they care for. Remember, during the challenges, there are moments of connection, joy, and profound meaning waiting to be discovered, which make it all worthwhile, and makes care a really rewarding profession.
How to care for yourself, whilst caring for others?
Caring can be emotionally and physically demanding for both family members and carers. Therefore, it is important to prioritise personal well-being.
Seeking support from family and friends can help to provide emotional solace, empathy, and encouragement during challenging times.They can also offer practical help with tasks such as running errands or cooking meals to lighten the caregiver’s load and prevent burnout.
Carers, on the other hand, are given training to help them to be equipped to deal with different situations. They have the opportunity to share their experiences during staff meetings and one to one supervisions, and colleagues can give reassurance and share best practices from when they may have faced similar situations.
Dementia is unpredictable, and caring often requires flexibility and adaptability. Be prepared to adjust your approach, as the person’s needs and abilities change over time is very important. Taking breaks, practising self-care activities, and finding moments of joy and gratitude can help manage the unpredictability of it all.
It’s important to celebrate even the smallest victories, such as a moment of clarity or a shared smile. These moments offer hope amidst the challenges. Likewise, setbacks are inevitable, but patience and resilience are key, and take comfort in knowing the storm won’t last forever. Don’t stress over the future, be present in the moment, and focus on providing love and support here and now.
While family carers play a vital role in dementia care, it’s essential to recognise when professional assistance may be necessary, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not failing. Respite care can provide temporary relief for family members, giving them a well earned break whilst having the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for in their own home with their own surroundings.
In essence, to effectively care for others, one must first care for themselves, which is particularly true in the context of dementia care, where the demands can be emotionally and physically taxing. By looking after themselves, caregivers replenish their reserves of compassion and patience, enabling them to better meet the needs of those under their care.
About Julie Lole and New Age Care
Julie has been in the care profession for over 30 years working with children
and the elderly. She has vast experience working in domiciliary care, and has also been a health and social care trainer for several years supporting staff in care homes.
New Age Care provides professional home care to adults over 18 in their own homes giving family members reassurance that their loved ones are safe. They promote the rights of individuals to make informed choices, maintain their privacy, preferences, dignity and self-respect, to maximise their independence and potential.