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Three things to keep in mind when caring for someone with dementia

Becoming a carer is a huge responsibility and a life change. Whilst you may want to provide care for your loved one, that doesn’t mean it’s not challenging. Plus, many people take on a caring role in addition to paid work responsibilities, with research showing that there are around 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK.

One of the health conditions that might require a carer is dementia. This is an umbrella term that describes a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia. Early signs may include memory loss, language and communication difficulties, confusion, mood swings, losing things and avoiding activities for fear of embarrassment. 

As a result, a person with dementia may need help with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, getting to appointments or attending activities they enjoy. In this short guide, we discuss three things to bear in mind when caring for a loved one with this difficult disease.

A routine can help you both

Creating and sticking to a routine can be really helpful for someone who is living with dementia. Knowing what to expect every day can help them maintain their independence, and reduce stress and agitation. Your loved one may be feeling scared and confused, so giving them some direction and creating a familiar routine that they can rely on can be comforting. Additionally, some experts suggest that sticking to a routine can help it imprint into the long-term memory of the person with dementia.

From a carer’s perspective, a routine can help you switch off and know when you’re needed or not. Although caring is often a 24/7 undertaking, having some semblance of structure to your days will help you to make rough plans to fulfill any other commitments or responsibilities. If you’re also employing a professional carer, or sharing responsibilities with others, having time away and knowing you don’t have to be alert can give you a much-needed mental break.

Remember to be respectful

When you’re caring for someone with dementia, it’s understandable that you may feel frustrated and try to rush them through tasks. Especially if you’re working or balancing other responsibilities, it can be hard to watch someone take longer to do tasks that you could just do yourself. Additionally, you may fall into the trap of babying the person you’re caring for, reducing their independence and potentially impacting their dignity. 

Whilst it’s hard, try and let your loved one lead. Let them do as much as they can when it comes to bathing and dressing, and try to understand that they may get annoyed and resist changes such as swapping to elastic waistbands or zipper shoes. If you do need to get involved, try to tell the person what you’re about to do, and give them time to have a break if they need to.

You don’t have to do it all alone

Being a carer can be an incredibly hard experience. As much as you love the person you’re caring for, it’s completely natural to feel resentment, anger and sadness – sometimes all at once. You must remember you’re not alone, and to reach out for the support that is available to you.

This might be in the form of a paid carer once a week, or a family support group, who can relate to how you’re feeling. Having these emotions doesn’t mean you love your family member or friend any less. Taking time to protect your mental health is also a key part of ensuring you’re in the best shape to help them.

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/care/specialist/dementia/early-signs-guide