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After a dementia diagnosis, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. For the person receiving the diagnosis, as well as their family, it can be a confusing and frightening time. In this blog, we’ll explore how to support someone with dementia, from early intervention to planning for the future, helping families navigate this journey with compassion and care.
Understanding Dementia and Early Intervention
One of the most important steps in supporting someone living with dementia is understanding the condition but more importantly, how it impacts the person’s life. It can feel like a crash course for family members, but the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to support your loved one and each other.
In the early stages, symptoms can be subtle or easily missed, and since each person travelling this new path with dementia is unique, it’s vital to stay attuned to potential signs and seek medical guidance early on. Early intervention not only helps with planning ahead, but it also allows for informed decisions about care and the exploration of supportive resources.
Creating Routines and a Dementia-Friendly Home
Dementia often brings unpredictability, which can heighten anxiety for the person living with it. Establishing predictable routines – consistent mealtimes, personal care activities, and rest periods – can create a sense of calm and reduce unmet needs. Simple, everyday rhythms become comforting anchors.
You can also adapt the home environment to be more dementia-friendly. Removing hazards, improving lighting, and keeping commonly used items in familiar places helps create a sense of safety. Clear labels on cupboards or doors can reduce confusion, offering your loved one greater ease in navigating their space.
Communication and Behavioural Changes
As dementia progresses, communication may become more challenging. Your loved one may struggle to find words or may feel frustrated by their difficulty expressing themselves. Speaking calmly and using short, simple sentences can help, and it’s important to allow extra time for responses. Non-verbal communication – through touch, gestures, or even eye contact – can also offer connection when words fall short.
Behavioural changes and mood swings may emerge as well, often stemming from confusion or unmet needs. Every individual experiences these shifts differently, so paying close attention to their emotional cues and finding gentle ways to redirect their focus can help ease their discomfort.
Supporting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellbeing
As your loved one’s cognitive abilities decline, their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing will evolve, and it’s essential to care for each aspect. Physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, supports mobility, provides routine, and can improve sleep. Mental stimulation, through puzzles, games, music, or reading, offers moments of joy and helps maintain cognitive function.
These activities not only help preserve your loved one’s abilities but also create meaningful moments to cherish. Supporting someone with dementia requires deep patience, compassion, and understanding, and at Group Homes Australia, our focus is always on delivering the highest quality of life possible.
Planning Ahead and Involving Family in Care
Dementia is a progressive condition, and though each person’s experience is unique, planning for the future is key. Family involvement in care decisions is essential, but making these decisions early allows your loved one to have a say in their future. From addressing financial concerns to discussing long-term care, it’s helpful to include your loved one in the conversation while they are still able to participate.
As the condition progresses, family members may need to take on a larger role in decision-making. Collaboration between family, medical professionals, and care staff ensures that your loved one’s needs are met with care and dignity.
Finally, it’s important to recognize when you, as a caregiver, need time to rest and recharge. Flexible Respite care can provide you with the opportunity to step back, reset, and plan for the next phase, while ensuring your loved one continues to receive the support they need.
This journey can be challenging, but it’s also filled with opportunities for connection, love, and support. And together, we can ensure that your loved one is cared for in the most compassionate way possible.
Want to know more about caring for someone with dementia?
Group Homes Australia offers a range of resources and support services for people living with dementia and their families. We can assist when it comes time to consider permanent care, and we can also offer a lot of support along the way. Our compassionate support staff deliver the very best level of care for your loved ones, and we use a personalised approach that meets specific individual needs.
To find out more about how we can help, fill out the form below and speak with the team today.
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