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Dementia occurs when the nerve cells in the brain are damaged. This can happen in numerous different ways and it is not always possible to tell if someone is at risk of contracting dementia. There are various forms of dementia and a person can suffer with one or more variations, creating a unique range of side effects and symptoms.

How Do You Know if Someone has Dementia?

Early signs of dementia include memory loss, disorientation, reduced judgement and a habit of losing or misplacing items. People suffering with this illness can often forget simple words and forget how to perform simple, everyday tasks. They will be likely to display erratic behavior that is out of character for them and suffer with regular mood swings.

How Can You Help Someone with Dementia?

There are currently around 850,000 people in the country suffering with dementia. Helping them access the right services that specialize in their illness, such as Lotus Home Care, is the most important thing you can do. Whether you are a friend or family, a carer or not, chances are that you won’t be able to support your loved one on your own.

The level of care required will depend on the level of support at home and the severity of the symptoms. Most people like to stay in their own home for as long as possible and this may be especially important for someone who is starting to forget things – the comfort of familiar surroundings may be consolation to them. If they live alone, however, this might not be the safest option, in which case you might need to look into finding a care home.

As a friend or family member who is unable to provide round-the-clock care, you can still help your loved one by keeping the lines of communication open. Ask them about their dementia and encourage them to talk about it, as it will help them to become more accepting of the changes they are experiencing. Be patient, as their speech might be jumbled, especially if they are upset or unsure of how to explain and remember to take their feelings into account. Dementia is a scary illness that is difficult to understand.

When talking, keep your mouth free from obstruction so they can focus on what you are saying, but remember to keep a respectable level of personal space between you. Ask direct questions and use simple vocabulary. The further progressed the illness is, the more this will become important.

If you think someone you or someone you love might be struggling with dementia, give Lotus Home Care a call and let us discuss your options.