What is the Meaning of Dementia Care?

If you've recently been advised to arrange dementia care for a loved one, you might be wondering what that entails. Dementia care is a broad term to describe help and assistance for people with dementia so they can maintain their quality of life to the greatest extent possible. Understanding dementia care will help you to make educated decisions for your loved one. In this blog post, we will go over the basics of dementia, dementia care, the different types of dementia care, and Tiggo Care's dementia care services.

Overview of Dementia

According to the Alzheimer's Society, approximately one million people in the UK have dementia, with that figure anticipated to climb to 1.4 million by 2040. Dementia is a general term for a deterioration in cognitive functions that interferes with daily life. It is not a single disease but rather a set of symptoms that can result from many different medical conditions.

These illnesses can cause short-term memory loss, decreased thinking, and behavioural changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases. According to Dementia UK, there are over 200 types of dementia; including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Dementia progresses in phases. Early on, they may experience modest cognitive impairment, such as trouble recalling names or recent events. As the illness progresses, the symptoms worsen. The person may begin to struggle with daily duties, have considerable memory loss, and exhibit behavioural symptoms such as anger or violence. They may eventually require full-time care as their ability to execute even tasks deteriorates.

Definition of Dementia Care

Dementia care is a type of specialised support designed to help people with dementia live as independently as possible. It can involve assistance with personal care, medication adherence, household tasks, and other activities. Effective dementia care should be tailored to individual requirements and the preferences of the person receiving care.

Types of Dementia Care

There are several types of dementia care available and the type most suitable for your loved one will depend on their individual needs and the stage of their medical condition.

Home Care Visits

Regular home care visits involve a carer visiting the person's home to assist with everyday duties. This form of care is suitable for those in the early stages of dementia who want to stay in the comfort of their own home. It promotes independence while assuring safety and well-being.

Scenario for Home Care Visits

• Early Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer's disease in its early stages can cause modest memory loss and difficulties concentrating. Care assistants can provide medication reminders, support with domestic tasks, and provide companionship.
• Vascular Dementia: People with vascular dementia can undergo sudden cognitive deterioration. Regular home care visits can help monitor their condition and ensure a trained professional is available to provide assistance during these times.
• Mild Cognitive Impairment: Home care assistants can assist people with mild cognitive impairments to continue their daily routines and avoid feeling isolated.

Benefits of Home Care Visits

• Personalised Attention: Care assistants can adjust their work to match the person's exact needs and preferences, ensuring a high level of personalised care.
• Familiar Environment: People with dementia benefit from being in a familiar place because it reduces stress and worry.
• Flexibility: Home care visits can be arranged according to the person's needs, whether it is for a few hours each week or every morning and evening.
• Companionship:  Regular visits from a carer can provide much-needed social interaction and emotional support, minimising feelings of isolation.
• Safety Monitoring: Care assistants can keep an eye on the person's well-being to ensure their safety and manage any immediate health difficulties.

Home care visits also allow family members to stay involved in the care process. Care assistants collaborate with family members, share updates, and involve them in decision-making. This collaborative approach guarantees people with dementia receive care that meets their needs and preferences.

Live-in Care

Live-in care offers round-the-clock assistance, with a carer living in the person’s home. This option is ideal for people who require constant supervision but prefer to stay in their own homes. A good live-in carer provides holistic care, from cooking and assistance with everyday tasks to personal care and medication assistance.

Scenarios for Live-in Care

• Lewy Body Dementia: This type of dementia can produce fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and Parkinson's-like movement. A live-in carer can provide consistent help and ensure the person is safe.
• Mixed Dementia: People with mixed dementia may exhibit signs of both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. A live-in carer can manage the various demands that result from these coupled symptoms.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: This type of dementia primarily affects younger adults and causes major changes in personality and behaviour. Live-in care can offer stability and support for managing these behavioural changes.

Benefits of Live-in Care

• Continuous Support: Offers ongoing monitoring and assistance, ensuring that all needs are met around the clock.
• Consistent Care: Having the same carer fosters a strong and trusting professional relationship, which is advantageous to the person's emotional well-being.
• Reduced Stress: Living in a familiar home environment with ongoing care can lessen stress and worry for both the person with dementia and their family.
• Holistic Support: Live-in carers can help with all aspects of daily life, including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, and emotional support.
• Emergency Response: A carer's immediate availability allows them to respond quickly to any emergency or sudden health changes.

Live-in care is a highly personalised type of care and the carer becomes acutely aware of the person's routines and preferences. This consistency can be especially reassuring for people with dementia, allowing for more effective symptom management.

Night Care

Night care, as the name suggests, focuses on providing assistance during the night. This is especially beneficial for people who have sleep problems, such as those with Lewy body dementia or those who wander frequently. Night carers ensure the person's safety, comfort, and rest, helping to prevent accidents and decreasing nighttime anxiety.

Scenarios for Night Care

• Sundowning: Many dementia patients exhibit greater disorientation and agitation in the evening, which is known as sundowning. Nighttime care can assist in managing these feelings and offer reassurance.
• Sleep Disorders: Dementia is frequently associated with sleep abnormalities, such as frequent waking or difficulties staying asleep. Night caretakers can help manage these concerns and assist people to sleep.
• Safety Concerns: Night care provides an extra layer of safety for people who are prone to wandering or are at risk of falling during the night.

Benefits of Night Care

• Peace of Mind: Families can rest confident that their loved one is safe and well-cared for at night.
• Better Sleep Quality: Night carers can assist in managing sleep disruptions, ensuring that the person gets enough sleep.
• Reduced Nighttime Anxiety: Having a carer present at night helps reduce anxiety and agitation, resulting in a calmer environment.
• Immediate Assistance: Night carers can offer immediate assistance with any concerns that emerge, such as trips to the bathroom or managing disorientation.
• Accident Prevention: Constant supervision helps to avoid accidents and ensures a person's safety throughout the night.

Night care is extremely beneficial for families that struggle to handle their loved ones' overnight requirements. It helps primary carers to rest while knowing their loved one is well cared for and safe.

Respite Care

Respite care provides relief for regular carers, allowing them to rest while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care. This type of care can be delivered at home, at a care home, or during a short stay at a specialised institution. It is useful for families that need a break or are dealing with an emergency.

Scenarios for Respite Care

• Family Breaks: Regular carers, often family members, require time to rest and recharge. Respite care guarantees that a person with dementia receives ongoing care while their primary carer is away.
• Emergency Situations: If a main carer is experiencing an emergency or a health crisis, respite care can provide rapid assistance.
• Long-Term Care Trial: Respite care can be utilised to try out a care home setting, allowing families to determine whether it is the best long-term alternative.

Benefits of Respite Care

• Carer Well-Being: Enables primary carers to take required breaks, lowering the risk of burnout and maintaining their overall well-being.
• High-Quality Care: Ensures that the person with dementia receives continuous, high-quality care even in the absence of their primary carer.
• Flexibility: Respite care can be provided for periods ranging from a few hours to many weeks, depending on the need.
• Emergency Cover: You can relax knowing your loved one is receiving the care they need in the event of unforeseen crises or health concerns encountered by their primary carer.
• Peace of mind: Families may take breaks or deal with unrelated situations knowing their loved one is safe.

Respite care is an essential service that benefits both the person with dementia and their primary carers. It enables families to take important breaks without worrying about the care their loved one is receiving. This momentary break can reinvigorate carers, allowing them to return to their duties with renewed energy and focus.

Residential Care

Residential care is when a person with dementia moves to a care home or nursing home to receive full-time assistance. This option is appropriate for people with advanced dementia who require intensive, around-the-clock care. Care homes offer a secure atmosphere, planned activities, and easy access to medical and therapeutic treatments.

Scenario for Residential Care

• Advanced Dementia: When someone is in the late stages of dementia, they generally require comprehensive care, which is best provided in a residential setting.
• Behavioural Issues: Severe behavioural symptoms, such as violence or excessive agitation, may be best managed in a professional care setting.

Benefits of Residential Care

• Comprehensive Support: Offers 24-hour care and supervision, ensuring that all needs are met at any time of day or night.
• Specialised Services: People with dementia can get specialised services that are tailored to their unique requirements.
• Scheduled Environment: Care homes provide scheduled activities and routines to help people minimise anxiety and improve their quality of life.
• Social Interaction: Residents can engage with their peers, which helps to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Safety and Security: Care homes are built to be safe and secure, reducing the chance of accidents and wandering.

Residential care provides a comprehensive approach to dementia management, including not just medical and personal care, but also opportunities for participating in activities and socialising. This comprehensive support can dramatically improve the quality of life for people with late stage dementia by ensuring they get the care and attention they require in a supportive community setting.

Conclusion

Dementia care is about more than just managing dementia symptoms; it's about enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Whether through home visits, live-in care, night care, respite care, or residential care, the goal is to provide compassionate, personalised support that respects the dignity and individuality of each person.If you’re considering dementia care for a loved one, it’s important to choose a service that meets their unique needs. At Tiggo Care, we offer a range of dementia care options designed to support you and your family. Our trained carers are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, helping your loved one to live their best life.Explore how Tiggo Care can support your family with compassionate, professional dementia home care. Contact us today to discuss their needs and find out how we can help enhance the quality of life for your loved one.