Although dementia is not considered a disease in itself, and it is caused by various other diseases, it is an all-encompassing term for symptoms like memory loss, loss in language and communication skills, difficulties with problem solving and other cognitive abilities. These symptoms can significantly impair daily life and independent function and they can also affect the patient’s behaviour, feelings and relationships. Planning for the future from the day of diagnosis is crucial to ensure that you provide your loved one with comfort, security and familiarity. With dementia care in the UK, your loved one can enjoy the peace of mind that they can only have in a home they’ve always known.
Dementia care – meaning and tasks of a dementia care worker
Dementia care is typically provided by a dementia care worker who will support your loved one in all aspects of daily life to help ease the process of ageing and the symptoms of the disease they may have.
Now that you have an idea of what dementia care’s meaning is, let’s take a look at some of the different tasks a dementia care worker can help provide your loved one with in the comfort of their homes.
Reminiscence therapy
Due to impaired memory abilities and memory loss, engaging in reminiscence therapy can help your loved one with dementia gain a stronger foothold on their relationships, giving them more security and comfort.
Dietary adjustments
Because an elderly patient with dementia may struggle with preparing meals for themselves, they will need a care worker to help them with meal preparation. Mealtime activities are another area that they can help with apart from meal preparation to encourage healthy eating.
Physical activity and mobility
Living a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone including patients with dementia. The dementia care worker can help take your loved one out for walks or even help them with doing gentle exercises in their home.
Support for challenging behaviour
A dementia care worker is trained to deal with challenging behaviour and provide the necessary support to help ease difficult situations where panic may set in and your loved one feels disoriented. They will ensure that your loved one retains their self-reliance, control and independence by nurturing their abilities and strengths.
Medication
A dementia care worker can also ensure that your loved one gets all the right medication at the right time and secure more medication from a doctor or a pharmacist to ensure there is a sufficient supply.
Social interaction
Although your loved one may not have all their cognitive abilities functioning at their best, they still require social interaction. With dementia care, they can get companionship and support that’s much needed to counter loneliness and to ensure there’s someone always around to help take care of their needs
General housekeeping tasks
Another element of dementia elderly care may involve general housekeeping tasks. As one ages, simple tasks around the house become more and more challenging and strenuous. It’s always a good idea to have a helping hand around to ensure that beds are made, dishes are washed, the home is tidy and clean and generally ensures that your loved one’s safety is top priority.
Respite care
If you’re taking care of your loved one on your own, you’ll find you have little time for little pleasures in life you once enjoyed because of the demanding schedule and heavy responsibility placed in your hands. With a dementia care worker, you can enjoy respite care as they will alleviate your burden for as long as you need it until you can come back refreshed and recharged, ready to continue supporting your loved one.
Why call a dementia care specialist?
Dementia care at home is probably the best gift you can give your loved one with dementia. This type of care is specialised and can help alleviate some of the responsibilities that such type of care usually demands. Calling in the experts is going to be your best call as they’ll be able to ensure your loved one’s needs are taken care of 24/7.
It’s not always possible for you to be around your loved one all the time, while a dementia care worker living with your loved one can help them at night time, with aspects such as dressing and grooming, taking their medication on time, eating healthy, getting the right amount of sleep and exercise and anything in between that you’re not able to provide yourself.
Ultimately, dementia care at home is the right answer to a situation where you have a loved one with dementia. The number of people with this health condition is on the rise, expected to reach two million by 2051. This is just more than double the current figures.
