Supporting an elderly relative with Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of neurological syndromes that affect cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline, but not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and grief. Self-care is crucial. Consider joining a support group, such as The Carents Lounge, seeking counselling, or finding respite care services to give yourself a break. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself.  Your GP can help you access the support you need to manage your emotions most effectively. 

Dementia is often divided into three stages: mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). Each stage has its own symptoms and challenges, and its progression can vary from person to person.

The ten warning signs of dementia include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speech or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgement, lack of interest from usual activities, and changes in mood and personality. If your loved one shows any signs of these symptoms, help them to seek medical assessment and advice. 

This decision depends on several factors, most importantly their preferences (it’s good to discuss these as early as possible), the stage of dementia, the level of care required, the nature of any safety and wellbeing concerns, as well as  the ability of family members to provide care. It’s essential to consider all of the available care options too. If you and your parents  can discuss this with their care coordinator that will be helpful. 

Providing full time care can be rewarding but help and support can make the journey easier for both of you. You can 

• Speak to your local authority and arrange a Carer’s Assessment: You’re entitled to an assessment by your local council to identify what support might make your life easier. It could lead to respite care, training in relevant care techniques, help with housework, and connections to local support groups.
• Register as a Carer with Your GP: This ensures your needs as a carer are considered in healthcare discussions about you and you can readily access any available additional help.  You can also inform your husband’s GP so that they can involve you in his care as appropriate. 
• Help at work: you are entitled to additional support under the equality act, this includes carers leave. 
• Benefits for Carers: Check your eligibility for carer’s benefits, and other grants and allowances to give you extra financial support.
• Training Courses: These can equip you with skills and knowledge to better care for someone with dementia.
• Local Support Groups: Connect with others in similar situations for support and advice. The Carents Lounge is a great resource for connecting with those in a similar situation.