Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK at present and this number is expected to grow over the coming years. While every dementia patient is unique, there are some common services that can make the lives of these patients easier, more comfortable and more secure. If you have considered elderly home care for the purpose of dementia care in your own home, you’re on the right track. Many people prefer the comfort of their own home over living in a nursing or care home. And this comfort and familiar surroundings are a great way of creating stability and promoting a healthier experience. If you’re wondering what services dementia patients need and what you should expect from dementia care in the UK, take a look below.
Care needs for dementia patients
Dementia patients experience a deterioration in their capacity to function as they once did and this affects their communication, eating and nutrition, hygiene and continence, sleeping habits, oral and dental health as well as their memory. This can make it difficult for both the patient themselves and their carer. Luckily, with the right care plan, these needs can be addressed. Wondering what care needs a dementia patient has? Let’s take a look.
Fostering a climate of clear communication: Communication with a dementia patient can become difficult if not handled properly. Because memory loss is such a huge part of their lives, it’s important that the carer who looks after them avoids arguments, avoids asking the patient to remember things and refrains from asking complicated questions. Questions requiring a yes or no answer usually work best. It’s also often difficult for these patients to express themselves cohesively. This will mean that the carer will need to look for the meaning behind their words. But perhaps more importantly, the carer will need to be patient and listen carefully to what is being expressed.
The importance of establishing a routine: A good dementia carer will also be adept at creating solid routines which can be followed by the patient to ensure more stability in their lives. From the preparation and consumption of meals to regular time in front of the television, social activities and time spent with loved ones – a routine which sets clear expectations will be best.
Providing personal support: Dementia patients may also struggle with ordinary day-to-day tasks. This will require the carer to assist with washing, dressing, toileting as well as preparing meals, washing up and cleaning. It’s also important to remember that their levels of hygiene may deteriorate and ensuring that hearing aids or glasses are clean and in good working order is a must.
Ensuring safety in the home: but these aren’t all the tasks that such a worker can assist with. They can also help ensure that their client is mentally engaged with games, conversation and stimulating activities. It’s also possible to maintain a healthy social life with friends and loved ones at community or other venues. This is a great way of warding off loneliness and depression that can set in as one ages.
Providing behaviour support: Living with dementia can be tough on both the patient and the carer. Some examples of behaviour changes that may be noticed include reduced or confused communication, anxious or agitated states, hallucinations and false ideas, loss of inhibition, aggression, wandering and depression. By having a trusted carer looking after your loved one in their home, you can rest assured that these behaviours can be addressed adequately.
Enabling independence and decision making: Money management is a necessary part of taking care of a loved one with dementia. It may not always be a comfortable subject but it must be addressed nonetheless. It will require looking at the patient’s bills and seeing when and how they will be settled. Utilities and telephone bills for example are a monthly expense that needs to be addressed as such. It’s also important to ask the patient themselves how they wish for their money to be handled because involving them with this important task will give them a sense of purpose and responsibility. Having legal help at this stage is also crucial.ages.
Having back-up medical help: An elderly care agency in the UK should also make sure that the carer who looks after your loved one with dementia has access to back-up medical help in the event of an emergency arising. crucial.ages.
Why call a dementia care specialist?
Dementia care is not easy but there are trained professionals who can provide dementia care at home to ensure that your loved one is as comfortable and engaged as is possible for their condition. With a professional carer at your loved one’s side, you can rest assured that their needs will be met and that they will always have someone to lean on.
