Each case of dementia is unique, as is the individual receiving this difficult diagnosis. Whether it is yourself or a loved one living with this disease, the challenges experienced will be different, but there will be similarities. In this post, we’ll explore the symptoms of dementia, and how to get effective support. 

What are the symptoms of dementia? 

  • As the short-term memory becomes less reliable, words, thoughts and actions can become more difficult. 
  • Organisational skills and the ability to retain and follow instructions are compromised. 
  • Conversation may be harder to follow or become increasingly one sided. 
  • Mobility is reduced. 
  • Movement in general is more difficult in terms of loss of grip or shaking, which then affects activities such as washing, dressing and eating. 
  • Mood swings and the emergence of different personality traits may become apparent. 
  • Directions can be forgotten or become confused, either within the home or when visiting a friend, or the shops. 
  • Difficulty in recognising coins and in understanding the value of money. 
  • The concept of time becomes less clear – both within the present and also the past. 
  • Taking medication – either forgetting to, or taking it too frequently. 
  • Increased anxiety may well accompany many of these effects. 

Experiencing just one of these challenges makes life harder for individuals living with dementia, but when they progressively affect every aspect of life, the effect can be overwhelming, and a person’s quality of life is diminished. 

How live-in care can help address these challenges 

Increasingly, a dementia patient’s home becomes their safe space; somewhere they are extremely familiar with physically, spatially and emotionally.  

Most people with dementia understandably want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. With live-in care, this is not only possible but, for many people, preferable to other forms of care and provides an ideal and cost-effective alternative. 

Unlike residential care where a team of professional carers working in shifts provides the care to a number of residents, a live-in carer is dedicated to providing care on a one-to-one basis.  

The main advantage of this is that they quickly become a familiar member of the household who can provide around the clock support. 

Assist Care Group have specialist dementia carers who have the training and experience required to support individuals and their families, with compassion and dignity in their own homes. Careful matching of the carer’s personality, and the skills required, to each individual requiring dementia support means that they can remain in their own home for as long as possible, through the provision of: 

  • Support with everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea or a snack. 
  • Organising and accompanying patients on trips out or making appointments. 
  • Conversation – listening and responding with patience and compassion. 
  • Support with getting up and out of bed, washing, personal care and any other activities that are made more difficult by limited mobility. 
  • Professional and compassionate handling of difficult behaviour. 
  • Medication reminders. 
  • Support with shopping, cooking and other everyday tasks that are part of running a household. 
  • Companionship. 

Remembering that each dementia patient is a person with likes, dislikes and interests is key to helping them maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.  

With a live-in carer who will get to know them, encouraging and motivating someone with dementia is easier because their carer will have that understanding of who they are and what makes them unique.  

If you need help caring for a loved-one with dementia, contact us for information.