FAQs
- What you need to look out for
1. What changes should I expect first?
Some common early signs are the loss of short-term memory, repetition of questions, confusion around dates and difficulty following conversations.
2. How might behaviour change?
Examples of behavioural changes you may notice as part of the condition include the person becoming agitated, more suspicious, wandering around, disruptive sleep and possibly a loss of interest in usual activities.
3. How do I respond to difficult behaviour?
It is important that the carer stay calm and avoid arguments, ensuring that they redirect attention. It would be useful to identify trigger issues for example, is your loved one feeling tired or hungry or exposed to too much noise?
- Navigating the process
1. When should a diagnosis be sought and provided?
As soon as the symptoms become noticeable and encroach on daily life, a diagnosis should be sought. What an early diagnosis does is facilitate with planning and access to support.
2. What do I need to do in preparation for appointments?
The caregiver should keep a record of any symptoms, behavioural changes, medication that has been prescribed by the GP/hospital and potential questions they may have. It is useful to attend any appointments with the person whenever possible.
3. What if my loved one resists seeing a doctor?
It is not unusual for a loved one to be resistant to seeing a medical practitioner. In such cases it could be repositioned as a general health check or discussion about other health-related concerns they may have. This removes the obstacle of saying ‘dementia testing’.
- Caregiving on a daily basis
1. How can I make daily life easier for my loved one?
It is essential the environment is familiar for a person living with dementia. It is imperative to create a routine, but they need to be simple. If appropriate, use reminders and labels and any tasks require breaking down into smaller sub steps.
2. How do I communicate with my loved one?
When communicating with a loved one, use clear, short sentences allowing them time to respond. Ensure that you face them when speaking to them and always maintain eye contact.
3. How do I keep my loved one safe?
Persons living with dementia are prone to falls so it is almost a good idea to mitigate any fall risks. If your loved one wanders, you can consider installing alarms. It is also imperative that administering of medication is carefully monitored. If your loved one drive, it is essential to have their driving ability assessed as early as possible post diagnosis.
4. Are there any support services that I can access?
There are numerous caregiver support group through organisations like Alzheimer’s Society. Furthermore, there are home care services, day centres and respite care that various charities run. These are generally specific to your local area.
5. Any strategies for taking care of myself?
Caregiving can be extremely stressful and high-pressured leading to caregiver burnout. Therefore, it is imperative that they schedule breaks, accept help from others and continue to be sociable. In the event that they feel overwhelmed they should contact their GP as soon as possible.
- Planning for the future
1. Are there any legal and financial matters that need to be addressed?
Given the nature of the disease, it is advisable that care preferences are discussed as early as possible so that your loved one can express their wishes. Additionally, all finances should be reviewed, a will should be finalised and lasting power of attorney for both financial and medical matters should be completed.
2. How will I know that additional support is required?
Every person is different, as is their journey with this disease and the speed with which it progresses. Additional support will be required over time whereby your loved one will need help with managing their daily task and eventually full-time care. The sooner these plans are put in the place, the less stressful the situation will be later.
3. Do I need to consider professional care? If so, when?
The safety and health of both you and your loved one are of the utmost importance. If you believe either one of you or any others living in your home are at risk, residential care and other at home care options should be considered.
4. Can my loved one live well with dementia?
Your loved one requires support, a routine that suits them, comfort and connection with other to experience moments of joy. If all are in place, your loved one can live well with dementia.