September Is World Alzheimer’s Month 2023

We Focus On Dementia & Alzheimer’s For September

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

Supporting someone with dementia can be challenging, but with patience, empathy, and the right strategies, you can provide meaningful assistance and improve their quality of life. Here are some tips on how to support someone with dementia:

With the September being World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday 21st September 2023, we are focusing on how people with these conditions can be supported and cared for, with dignity and respect.

By educating yourself you can earn about dementia and its various stages, as well as the specific type of dementia the person has (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia). Understanding the condition will help you provide better care. There are many ways to do this from online resources to discussing this with a local care provider.

Be patient and allow them to do as much as they can independently

By maintaining routines people with dementia often feel more comfortable and secure with a predictable routine. Establish a daily schedule for activities such as meals, exercise, and personal care. Keep communication simple and straight forward, dementia can impair a person’s ability to express themselves and understand language. Use clear and simple language, maintain eye contact, and speak slowly and calmly. Be patient and give them time to respond.

Loneliness can exacerbate dementia symptoms, encourage and provide opportunities for social interaction with friends and family, and consider joining support groups for both the person with dementia and carers. Encourage meaningful activities that the person enjoys and can still participate in. This may include listening to music, doing puzzles, gardening, or taking short walks. Activities that trigger positive memories can be especially beneficial. Being a good listener will encourage the person to express their thoughts and feelings. Even if their words don’t make sense, try to understand the emotions behind them. Validate their feelings and provide reassurance, social interaction is really important for both the individual and the carer.

We be vigilant and ensure homes are a safe place, dementia can lead to forgetfulness and confusion, so it’s important to make the environment safe. Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars in the bathroom, and lock away potentially dangerous items. Many people with dementia will need support with daily activities, as dementia progresses, individuals may struggle with daily tasks. Offer assistance with grooming, dressing, meal preparation, eating, and medication management. Ensure the person is eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or swallowing difficulties that may arise.

Be patient and flexible as dementia symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. Be prepared for good days and challenging days. Adapt your approach as needed. Remember that dementia is a progressive condition, and your role as a carer may evolve over time. Being patient, compassionate, and adaptable are key qualities when supporting someone with dementia.

There are wealth of great resources on line which have information on all types of Dementia and Alzheimer’s, here are some helpful links:

Remember be patient and flexible, these conditions are degenerative and adapt your approach according to each individual.

By Stephen Mander

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