A recent survey carried out by Alzheimer’s Society shows that the number of people with dementia in Southampton is set to increase by 19 per cent in the next 10 years.
With 750,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, the study shows that this number is set to rise significantly within the decade. Results suggest that while it was estimated that there were 2,555 people with dementia living in Southampton in 2010, by 2021 this number will have reached 3031.
Luisa Castle, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Southampton specialises in the care of older people in their own homes and cares for a number of clients affected by some form of dementia. Luisa is particularly passionate about delaying the onset of the disease by early diagnosis and has a valuable insight into the reason why many people are reluctant to get help.
Luisa comments: “Time and time again, we speak to people who are struggling and don’t know which way to turn. Often our clients feel too proud to admit they are not coping or have decided that their forgetfulness is ‘just part of getting older’. Partners too can be put under an awful lot of strain and some feel extremely guilty about asking for help, however spotting the early warning signs can be hugely important.”
“As we visit so many older people in the area, we ensure all of our caregivers are perfectly equipped to help dementia sufferers in every way they can. This involves training our team in specialised communication skills as well as ensuring they are perfectly equipped to spot the early warning signs. Early warning signs include: a decline in memory such as forgetting names of friends or familiar objects, a decline in reasoning and communication skills, feeling angry or upset about being forgetful and the gradual loss of skills needed to carry out daily activities.”
As well as personally volunteering at the local Memory Café every week, Luisa and the Home Instead team work very closely with the local Admiral Nurses to ensure that those who are concerned about dementia, have a friendly face to talk to.
Clinical Lead Admiral nurse for Southampton, Jeni Bell, comments, “For someone who is struggling with memory loss and is confused and upset, staying in familiar surroundings can be really important for their physical and mental wellbeing. Home Instead has developed packages of care that are tailored to each individuals needs and enabled people to live well with dementia for longer in their own home which is both better for them and the people they love. For anyone concerned about themselves or a loved one, please do get in touch with your GP. And remember, spotting those early warning signs really can make all the difference.”
If you or a loved one is suffering from dementia and would like to find out more about the care at home offered by Home Instead in Southampton, please call: 01489 559007 or for more information visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/southamptoneast
