What is Dementia Care?

An estimated 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia and the prevalence is increasing year-on-year. For example, this number is likely to reach 1.4 million by 2040. As more people are diagnosed with dementia it becomes increasingly important for people to know what dementia care is and how it can imrpove the quality of life of their loved ones with dementia. 

This article aims to guide you through the different stages of dementia care, helping you to understand what to expect and how to provide the best possible support. Learning about dementia care can help you get ready for the changes that are ahead and make sure your loved one receives the best possible care.

What does dementia care mean?

Dementia care refers to the specialised support provided to people with dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. Dementia care incorporates a variety of services that help people as their condition worsens. Care is designed to meet changing needs, from help at home in the early stages to more intensive care as the illness gets worse.

Caring for someone with dementia should enhance their quality of life and promote their independence while also helping them manage the challenges associated with the disease. After your doctor tells you that a loved one has dementia, it's important to learn as much as you can about the care they will need. Getting ready early lets you think about the future and decide what kind of care your loved one may need before their condition gets worse.

Multiple types of dementia exist, but Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia are the most common. Different types of dementia have different effects on the brain and in turn each type of dementia has a different set of symptoms. These symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. Symptoms gradually get worse over time.

Early-Stage Dementia Care: Helping Your Loved One at Home

In the early stages of dementia your loved one may still be able to do many things in their everyday life. However, they will probably start to forget things and might suffer from confusion. At this point, family support is very important. You can help someone with dementia feel more at ease by helping them to maintain their normal routine.

Giving emotional and mental support is very important too. You can do a lot to help them, such as simply spending time with them, listening to their worries, and encouraging them to do the things they love. They may also need help with simple things like making meals, remembering to take medications, and keeping track of appointments. These tasks may seem small, but they are very important for helping your loved one to stay independent.

Another important part of early-stage care is making your loved one’s home dementia-friendly. This might involve decluttering, labelling items around the house, or using reminders to help them stay on track with their daily routine. It’s also a good idea to establish regular communication with healthcare professionals, who can give you accurate information about how to manage dementia symptoms and what to expect as the condition develops.

How can professional home care help you?

As the dementia progresses, you may notice that your loved one is struggling more with daily tasks. Often, this indicates professional and regular home care visits are needed to ensure they receive consistent support. For instance, they might start to find it difficult remembering to take their medications, remembering to eat, or performing personal care tasks like bathing and dressing. Additionally, safety concerns, such as wandering or getting lost, especially at night, can become more pronounced.

Professional home care can provide much-needed support during the mid-stages of dementia. Care services can assist with personal care, medication management, and ensuring your loved one’s safety. This can include helping them with dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene, as well as supervising their daily activities to prevent accidents. Organising professional respite care in the home provides family carers with a break, giving them the opportunity to focus on their own well-being while knowing that their loved one is in good hands.

It’s also essential to create a comprehensive care plan at this stage. A care plan outlines the specific needs and preferences of your loved one, ensuring that the care provided is tailored to their individual requirements. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated as the condition progresses to ensure that your loved one continues to receive the highest quality care.

Advanced Dementia Care: The Need for Intensive Support

When dementia is in its later stages it is very hard for both the person who has dementia and their family. Your loved one might not be able to do simple things like walking, talking, or eating. Due to their declining mental and physical skills, they are more likely to have accidents, falls, and health problems.

Professional carers who come to your loved one's home on a regular basis can make sure they get all the help they need. They can help with bathing, dressing, eating, and other personal care tasks. Help with housework and making meals is another thing that carers can do to make sure that your loved one lives comfortably.

It's also very important to keep an eye out for changes in behaviour in the later stages of dementia. Some people with dementia can exhibit challenging behaviour, like being angry or irritable, which can be upsetting for both the person with dementia and their family. Professional carers know how to manage these behaviours in a kind and patient way, so your loved one is treated with respect and dignity.

Considering Live-In or Residential Care

There may come a time when your loved one needs live-in or residential care. This choice needs to be made when someone needs care around the clock to make sure they are safe and comfortable. Live-in care lets your loved one stay in their own home while getting care that is tailored to their needs. This choice gives them emotional support and also continuity because they can stay in the place they know best and be close to their belongings and memories.

However, some people might prefer residential care. In dementia care homes, patients can get specialised care from care assistants and take part in stimulating activities. It is important to think about things like how close the home is to family, the quality and reputation, and whether it offers specialist dementia care.

Conclusion

Dementia care changes as the person’s condition progresses. Usually care starts at home with some assistance from family, before transitioning to professional home care visits, and then in the latter stages it is important to consider live-in or residential care. Understanding dementia care early on can help you make informed decisions and ensure that your loved one receives the best possible dementia care throughout the final years of their life.

Here at Tiggo Care, we know how hard it is for both the person with dementia and their family. Our dedicated team of care professionals is here to help you, whether you need help with daily tasks during the early stages of dementia or live-in care during the later stagers of dementia. Our personalised care plans are made to fit the needs of your loved one, making sure they get the best care possible. Contact us today to find out more about our dementia home care services.