Cambridgeshire Expert Shares 5 Tips For Caring For Someone With Dementia

When a family member or friend is diagnosed with dementia, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time. Initial symptoms and changes in your loved one’s behaviour are not always easy to notice, so the emergence of more pronounced symptoms and a diagnosis can sometimes seem sudden, and you may not know how you can help or support them.

The good news is there are lots of things you can do to support them to be safe and content. To help, Andrea Layton, General Manager at Barton Manor, part of Danforth Care Homes (www.danforthcarehomes.co.uk) wants to share five tips for caring for someone with dementia, so you can help them continue to live a comfortable and happy life.

1. Keep them engaged with everyday tasks
“An important thing to remember is that your loved one needs to remain as autonomous and as in control of their life as possible,” says Andrea, from the care home in Cambridgeshire.
“Help them with tasks, but leave them to do simple things they’ve always done regularly, such as brushing their teeth, food preparation or making a cup of tea, if they are doing so effectively and safely.”
“Your goal as a caregiver is to support them to be as independent as they can be and allow them to keep being social and maintain household skills. You can help by doing things such as labelling cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom, so they can better navigate if they can’t remember where things are.”

2. Help them with eating and drinking
“Dehydration is something lots of people with dementia struggle with, as they don’t always identify when they’re thirsty. This can make their confusion and other symptoms worse. You can help them by ensuring they drink enough throughout the day, reminding them to make drinks or bringing drinks to them, and ensuring they are taking the liquids on board,” says Andrea.

“It’s important, as it is with everyone, that your loved one eats a healthy, balanced diet. Buy fresh ingredients for simple, easy to prepare meals, and involve your loved one in the decision making and production process as much as you can. Make note of what they like and don’t like, so you can remind them if they forget.”

“Adapt to them – if they struggle with cutlery, help them to make finger foods, for example. If they experience dysphagia (swallowing problems) prepare soft and easy to swallow foods and follow the advice of a medical professional.”

3. Aid routines and using the bathroom
“People with dementia do well with routines, so if possible, try to keep their bathing, dressing and mealtime routines consistent. They may struggle with incontinence; if so, look out for changes in their behaviour which may indicate they need the toilet, and try and keep going to the bathroom as part of a steady routine. Remember, be kind, incontinence is not their fault, and they may find talking about it embarrassing.” says Andrea.

“Always ask if they need help with bathing and dressing, and ask what they would like to wear that day. Their wardrobe should include loose fitting, comfortable items.”

4. Help them make their environment safe
“When a person is diagnosed with or is experiencing dementia symptoms, you can help them by making slight adjustments to their home environment, to ensure they stay comfortable and safe. For example, removing any rugs or mats which may pose a trip hazard. Also, ensure there is good lighting, which can reduce their risk of falls and lessen any confusion,” says Andrea. “In the garden, check for loose paving, and consider raised flower beds so your loved one can still garden if they have poor mobility.”

“You can also help them with products which can aid their daily life and help with their symptoms, such as a reminder device to remind them to take their medicines, or a clock with the date and time on in large print.”

5. Look after yourself
“Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. Looking after yourself and giving yourself a break is very important,” says Andrea. “You can get a carer assessment to see if you’re eligible to receive support to help make life easier for you and the person you care for, such as help with housework or training to help you with your caring role. Reach out to family and friends for assistance and know there are support lines and groups you can attend.”

“Sometimes it’s not possible to care for someone with dementia on your own. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or if your loved one is having more periods of low mood, anger or anxiety, it is time to seek more help. This can be in the form of additional home support or helping them move into a dementia specialised care home, where in both scenarios well trained professionals can help you.”

“Respite care is often available from care homes, so you and your loved one can trial a care home before moving in, which can make the process less daunting.”