What are the signs that my loved one may need dementia care at home?
Allow us to put this to bed… dementia is a chronic disease that develops slowly over time. Over the years, symptoms move from mild to moderate to severe. Please don’t feel any guilt for finding any part of this challenging or considering professional dementia care. We humans, have a university degree in guilt, but it has no place here. You don’t need to do it all alone. Expertise is almost always best for you and your loved one.
Not knowing if your family member has dementia is a level of stress and insomnia you don’t need. Signs of dementia surpass losing your glasses down the side of the sofa or we might all need a hand. Here are some of the most common signs of dementia to understand and be aware of:
- Weight loss
Is your loved one forgetting to eat or refusing to eat? Perhaps they suddenly like different foods and their preferences have changed. For example, they want to include meat in a previously vegetarian diet. This can be a sign of dementia. If meal times and eating have started to become a challenge, rest assured there are special techniques we deploy to encourage their appetite and help them relax.
- Confusion
Does your loved one seem confused, possibly about previously familiar tasks? They could be confused about the time, date, or which direction to take. Confusion can surprise or irritate your loved one. It’s understandably frustrating for them. Try to reassure them and empathise. A daily routine can also help.
- Mood changes
This is (of course) difficult for your loved one, you and the rest of the family. Dementia patients can be prone to outbursts of anger, sudden mood swings, cursing or even lashing out. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our trained dementia carers assist with all aspects of dementia including practical techniques and advice that lift the weight from your shoulders.
- Memory
Some memory loss is a normal part of the ageing process. For someone with dementia, memory loss will progress and begin to impair daily activities. Is your loved one struggling to record new memories, seemingly forgetting recent events? Perhaps they are struggling to find the right word in a conversation or forgetting names and anniversaries. Your loved one could be insisting everything is fine. This is perfectly understandable, but taking steps to assess dementia is the first step towards safety and support.
- Cognitive decline
The brain ages just like every other organ. However, cognitive decline in dementia patients will worsen over time. Cognitive decline can affect patients with thinking and language. If it has begun to affect their ability to complete everyday tasks, dementia carers can provide welcome support for your loved one and family alike.
If your loved one is showing signs of dementia or you’re just not sure, allow us to provide you with answers and options. At Pure Life Care, we provide familiarity and consistency by delivering dementia care at home. Remaining in the family home can provide great comfort to your loved one whilst delivering the highest levels of dementia care and support. The disease can manifest over many years and there is plenty to still welcome and celebrate.
Our dementia carers are a special kind of someone. Trained, tactful and intuitive; they have even encouraged clients to connect by taking their dog along as a companion. Consistency, kindness and quality of life are at the heart of our care. We’ll liaise with you and the family regarding healthcare collaboration. Your loved one will reap the benefits of mental stimulation and exercising the mind. We’ll assist them in remaining active and getting out and about. Whether that’s a trip to the shops, visiting friends, or their hair appointment. We’ll help with daily tasks, home-cooked meals and lighten the load.
Time and consistency counts. You can expect a hand-picked, trained dementia carer not a flurry of different faces at the door. Visits aren’t “in and out.” We watch favourite films, dig out photo albums and spend time engaging, listening and helping your loved one enjoy their day. The whole team recently participated in dementia training and through VR got to experience dementia “firsthand.” Ongoing training ensures we provide the best care.
Before that, your loved one will receive a thorough assessment. Their care needs are unique and may change over time. Our proactive dementia care will reflect that.
But at this point, you might just need a reassuring ear and a chat about what to do next.
Call 01227 207340 to speak with a trained adviser in confidence.
