Caring For Someone With Dementia

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Dementia is a terrible illness that affects many thousands of people across the United Kingdom.
It's a syndrome that's associated with a decline of the brain.
This decline leads can lead to memory loss, the ability to understand and make judgements, as well as mental agility.
The syndrome makes it increasingly difficult for those diagnosed with it to carry out basic everyday tasks.
When it gets to this point, many require someone to come in and provide care - whether care from an external care advisor, or from a family member.
As you would expect, caring for someone with dementia brings about a number of different challenges.
However, providing care for an ill relative or friend is extremely rewarding too.
During the early stages, someone suffering from dementia is likely to feel incredibly nervous and scared.
If you're caring for someone with dementia, it's a good idea to create a daily routine in a relaxed atmosphere.
By doing this you'll provide them with stability and consistency.
You should also try to encourage and involve them regularly.
Just because someone is suffering from dementia, it doesn't mean that they shouldn't be treated like a human being.
When caring for someone with dementia, it's important to make them feel like they can help out with basic tasks.
So, if you happen to be cooking a meal, or cleaning, encourage them to get involved.
Although it might seem like an incredibly small gesture to make - when caring for someone with dementia - it can go a great distance in making them feel better about their self-worth.
Overtime, when caring for someone with dementia, it might become tough for them to do these things independently; they'll become more dependent on care you provide.
Like everyone, people suffering from dementia have hobbies and interests they like to pursue; their illness, at least in the early stages, doesn't stop them from taking enjoyment in these activities.
Therefore, if you're charged with caring for someone with dementia, you should encourage them to continue with them.
For example, if they enjoy playing board games or going for walks you shouldn't deter them.
You should also remember that caring for someone with dementia isn't something you have to go through alone.
Many carers devote themselves towards providing the care their loved ones need.
But providing care can be incredibly intense, tiring - both mentally and physically - which on bad days can make it hard to stay positive.
When it gets to this point, you may feel the need to take what's commonly referred to as a period of respite from caring for someone with dementia.
A period of respite is essentially a short break during which carers can take time away from their usual daily duties.
In this time of respite, a respite carer will come in and provide the same level of care the carer was previously providing.
Whilst some carers develop a feeling of guilt about taking respite from caring for someone with dementia, everyone needs a break once in a while.
And when they return from taking a break they can return refreshed, revitalising and ready to continue caring for someone with dementia.
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