How to help you and your loved one with their Dementia.

A client sitting up in her bed looking up at their Home Instead carer who is standing up to their right and holding their hand whilst placing their other hand on the clients back in a supportive manner.

The Do’s

  • Try to keep a routine.
  • Plan activities the person likes and try to do them at the same time each day.
  • When dressing and bathing, allow the person to do as much as they can.
  • Allow the person to have as much control in their life as much as possible.
  • Keep well loved photographs and objects around the persons house.
  • Remind the person on who you are if they don’t remember.

The Don’ts

  • If a person doesn’t remember who you are, try not to say “Don’t you remember?”
  • Don’t ask the person whether they remember something or someone.
  • Don’t speak to the individual with an angry or frustrated tone.
  • Don’t exclude the person from conversation.
  • Don’t Interrupt or argue with the person.

What to do if you suspect your loved one has dementia?

There could be many reasons as to why someone could become more forgetful; stress can be a major factor for forgetfulness for instance. But if you feel that your loved one is becoming uncharacteristically forgetful along with a change in their personality and mood, then it may be worth seeking medical advice.

But how do you go about this?

Your loved one may be unaware they are experiencing any problems and therefore may be in denial. When you do decide to talk to them, make sure you are talking to them in a place that is familiar and allow plenty of time so the conversation isn’t rushed. You may want to suggest to come along with them to the GP appointment so they aren’t as overwhelmed, it may also be useful to help them recollect the appointment.

The GP may discuss with them how their symptoms have been developing over time and may do a memory test and physical examination. The GP may also do a blood test to see if any other conditions can be ruled out.

If everything else can be ruled out, your loved one then may be referred to a memory clinic or any other specialist service where they will go for further assessments to fully rule out dementia.

If the diagnosis is dementia, it is completely understandable to feel shocked and scared, allow yourself to have time with your emotions and process them. But remember that getting a diagnosis can help clarify things for you and your loved one and help in order to get the proper treatment and support necessary.

A Home Instead carer is seen in full frame listening to her client who is to the right corner of the picture. They are both sat at a table seemingly having a conversation.