Yahoo News How to overcome common dementia challenges
If you or someone close to you is living with dementia, you will know that the syndrome comes with a range of complex challenges. From problems with memory loss and confusion to spatial orientation and difficulties with social interaction, the consequences of dementia can be broad and encompass many aspects of daily life.
There are 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia, with numbers set to rise to over one million by 2025. So how can you work through the problems that you come up against?
With the support of family members, friends and carers, Director of carehome.co.uk Davina Ludlow offers expert tips on how these challenges can be overcome to help dementia sufferers live happy, fulfilled lives.
1.Use technology to maintain independence
It is common for people living with dementia to experience directional difficulties causing anxiety and fear for the individual involved and their family members. Around a thousand people with dementia go missing every year, according to the UK Missing Persons Bureau.
Thankfully modern technology is providing solutions to this, with GPS tracking tools now being promoted by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to help locate people with dementia. Given the importance of walks and fresh air for physical and psychological wellbeing, GPS technology provides a safe, secure way for people to look out for their loved ones, who can still keep their valuable independence.
There are also a number of dementia apps now available to help in similar ways, including the following:
It's Done: to help with memory and to-do lists
Jointly: to stay connected with loved ones
Mindmate: to help with cognitive function
My Home Helper: to assist with independent living
Young Onset Dementia: to help young people diagnosed with the syndrome
2. Break down dementia stereotypes
It is imperative that we change the way that society views and talks about those living with dementia, and that we discourage people from using terms such as 'past it' or 'suffering' when referring to people with the condition. These words imply that people with dementia are incapable of living full, active lives.
Though people may not realise it, the use of negative terms influences behaviour and the way society as a whole treats people with dementia. This can have a knock-on effect by reducing the self-confidence of individuals living with the condition. There are many initiatives being rolled out in local areas that help to raise awareness of dementia, such as Dementia Friends, which help people with dementia feel included, understood and supported by their communities.
3. How to manage personal finances
The onset of dementia, and the memory loss that comes with it, can cause difficulties when using the bank and looking after one's money. For example, it can become increasingly hard to remember a PIN number and keep on top of the amount of money being spent and received.
As a result, banks such as HSBC are becoming more accessible to those living with dementia, with voice technology recognition being introduced, so that individuals do not have to memorise a PIN. These are promising steps in making day-to-day tasks a more easily-navigable aspect of life. Ask your bank for details about the services they provide.
4. How to maintain an interactive lifestyle
Research has shown that people living with dementia often spend their days being passive, not interacting with their surrounding environment or engaging their mind to the degree that they once did. This can impact anxiety and agitation.
To overcome this challenge, a new game called Tovertafel has been introduced in a number of UK care homes, which involves light animations created by a projector and infrared sensors. The game provides cognitive stimulation, and promotes physical movement and conversation.
5. How to avoid social isolation
People with dementia can reach a stage where they are no longer able to communicate through language, posing challenges for their ability to interact with others and maintain relationships with friends and family.
In order to stop the feelings of loneliness and decline in self-esteem that a lack of social interaction can cause, music therapy is increasingly being seen as a lifeline, providing a therapeutic stimulus and allowing for self-expression and a reconnection with one's past. Singing groups can be invaluable in giving people the chance to be valued and heard, and fosters bonds with others.
Dementia help and support
For further help and support with dementia, try one of the following resources:
Last updated: 22-01-2020
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