Compassionate care - How to support those dealing with dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that impact memory, problem-solving, language, and behaviour, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. There are still substantial gaps when it comes to research about the disease, and a direct cure remains elusive.

Caring for loved ones with dementia can be extremely challenging and emotionally overwhelming, leaving many lost on how to cope or provide useful support. However, ongoing research and the increase in awareness have led to the development of accessible guidance, offering the correct tools to best help carers provide compassionate care, enabling individuals with dementia to lead a much more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Identifying Symptoms 

Dementia can be tricky to spot in its early stages, as symptoms are often subtle and can easily be mistaken as being usual signs of ageing, so how do we spot them?

45-year-old Pepechuah Masanzu, a carer of over ten years at the Chorleywood Manor care home, shares some of these early symptoms: “It often starts with the person becoming increasingly agitated; it's important to look out for body language and pick up on symptoms such as fidgeting and wandering around.”

(Pepechuah Masanzu, carer)

While it may be challenging to pick up on these signs, knowing someone may be forming dementia in its early stages could be crucial for getting it diagnosed early and planning a support system, such as prevention methods and the best action of care and support.

Communication is key

When supporting someone with dementia, people often fear they're approaching the situation completely wrong. The last thing we want to do is make our loved ones feel unsupported or potentially make their symptoms even worse. 

 (Olamide, carer and medication technician)

35-year-old Olamide, a carer and medication technician at Chorleywood Manor, stated, “Being very patient is key; make sure to speak nice and clearly, while also keeping your voice calm. I like to come down to my patient's level, even if that means kneeling on the floor.”

Body language and tone are essential to making your loved ones feel heard and seen, without making them feel guilty or ashamed for potentially not understanding current situations or their surroundings. Negative tones and body language can lead to a dementia patient often shutting down verbally and mentally due to feelings of reduced self-esteem and increased self-doubt.

Living life to the fullest 

A common misconception about dementia is that those who have it can't continue to live a fulfilling life. As pointed out by Pepechuah, this judgement is completely false, “patients still see themselves as normal people who are still capable of having a say in choices such as activities, clothing, and the food they eat.”

One of the greatest ways to allow a person with dementia to continue to thrive is by filling their days with a plethora of stimulating activities such as organised trips out, listening to music, meeting with family and friends, and many other invigorating games and hobbies. According to dementiauk.org, activities such as these can be essential for allowing patients to truly express themselves and develop their thinking ability.

Emotionally, dealing with the changes in a loved one as they develop such conditions can be incredibly tough. However, it’s important to remember that you haven’t lost them. Instead, it’s about making adjustments to help them continue to live a joyous and positive life.

Extra support

There are now plenty of care homes and activity clubs that offer full-time and part-time care for those dealing with dementia, as well as communities for those who want to learn more skills and coping mechanisms in order to help their affected loved ones. For more information on available support and advice, visit https://www.dementiauk.org/