There are currently 670,000 people suffering from Dementia in the UK and it is estimated that by 2021 over a million people will be diagnosed with the condition. With the disease becoming even more prevalent, what support is available to those dealing with the difficult symptoms associated with Dementia?
Day centres and activities:
In some communities day centres may be available for individuals suffering from Dementia. Day centres offer therapeutic activities that may help tackle the symptoms of the disease, which can have an extremely positive impact on the individual’s general health and well-being. From arts and crafts, musical activities, gardening, baking and activities based on the individuals’ lives (e.g. story work), day centres provide a much needed break for both the sufferer and the caregiver. The Alzheimer’s Society runs the Winchester Dementia Cafe, which provides a social activity to support people with dementia in the local area, providing an opportunity for sufferers and caregivers to meet and talk to other people in a similar situation.
Support for the individual at home:
Dealing with Dementia can make day-to-day activities increasingly difficult, but with the right help and support it is possible for an individual suffering with the disease to continue living at home for longer. Homecare is particularly beneficial as it gives the individual a sense of familiarity, which can make them feel more comfortable. A care worker would be able to visit the sufferer at home and provide a variety of support including medication management, meal preparation, domestic duties and personal care. They may also be able to provide support in the form of companionship, helping the individual take a break from home and enjoy their much-loved activities.
Residential care for the individual:
When the symptoms of Dementia develop, residential care can provide crucial support to both the individual and family during this difficult time. Although this may be a hard decision to make, the 24 hour support will help take the weight off family members shoulders, knowing their loved one is in safe hands, receiving the support they need. St Catherine’s View is a unique dementia care home in Winchester, which has been specially designed to suit the care needs of residents with conditions like Dementia.
Support for the caregiver:
Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it also involves dealing with stressful situations, changes in family dynamics, extra workloads and financial pressures, which can sometimes become overwhelming. Respite is the main type of support that is available for a caregiver helping an individual suffering from conditions like Dementia. Respite is available on a 24 hour basis to ensure individuals are receiving the support they need and can vary from a few hours to a few weeks. In Hampshire and other parts of the UK a Take A Break service is offered by the local authority. This service works by providing replacement care whilst the caregiver is away. During this time, they can also complete other tasks including domestic duties, meal preparation, and personal care.