Supporting Someone with Dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe a series of diseases that affects the brain. There are many types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease and symptoms vary from person to person.

Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting experience. It brings a lot of changes and challenges to a person’s everyday life.

If you’re a carer or a family/friend of a person who has been diagnosed with dementia you can help ease their daily experiences by supporting them in their everyday life and activities.

There are many factors to consider asides from the symptoms, such as the persons current living environment, the support network and relationships around them. These “factors of life” are central to mental wellbeing regardless of age, ability or diagnosis.

It is helpful to understand the impact the disease is having on the person’s life. Everyone is different and the disease can affect people’s lives differently regardless of the symptoms, including how it affects a person’s social activities and daily enjoyment.

You can help by:

  • Remembering they are still a person with emotions and thoughts. They are still your patient, relative or friend.
  • Include them in activities and conversations.
  • Respect their wishes and independence where appropriate.
  • Focus on what a person can do rather than what they can’t.
  • Be a good listener. Loneliness and isolation are a known issue with dementia patients, so be willing to listen.

Introducing the Dementia Cat “Robotic Cat”

More and more products are becoming available to help people with dementia. They all have their own individual benefits depending on which item you purchase or which aspect of life you’re trying to improve.

Dementia patients frequently become agitated, anxious and frustrated. Research has shown that an effective, drug free way to soothe and ease a dementia patient is to give them a soft toy they can interact with.

Introducing the dementia robotic cat. This item is sold by an American company and it has shown to provide comfort for people living with dementia. It’s a battery powered cuddly toy that purrs, meows and moves. It also responds to touch when its petted and hugged.

The robotic dementia cat has bought joy and purpose to many elderly people suffering with dementia. It has helped patients feel a sense of purpose when they pet and cuddle the ‘cat’. It helps encourage a sense of empowerment, companionship and enjoyment.

The Robotic Cat can increasingly be found in many care homes across the UK.

These robotic ‘animals’ are more manageable than pets and don’t require the maintenance of feeding and monitoring, whilst supplying the same known benefits of having a pet. In some cases, the cuddly toy can provoke nurturing and caring memories helping with loneliness and isolation.

Robotic Dementia Cat

Sensory and Educational

Sensory toys can bring different types of enjoyment and interaction for patients. It can improve their feelings of seclusion and anxiety allowing them to have some control and giving them new interests and hobbies.

As well as these toys, there are items that help improve quality of life. A few examples are, dementia clocks, memory calendars and door signs. These have been designed to encourage a person to be as independent as possible, allowing them to continue to live their daily life as normal as possible.

Supporting someone with dementia can be difficult, frustrating and deflating. But it can also be joyful, rewarding and encouraging. Every person is different and the most helpful way to benefit someone’s life with dementia is to remember they are still a person who has emotions.

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Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of disorders. There are many forms of dementia, the most common forms including Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy bodies and frontotemporal. Dementia is a progressive disorder with symptoms gradually worsening over time.

Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) is an assessment tool used to determine which stage of dementia a person is experiencing. The tool is used as a rough outline to determine the best course of care or treatment for the person diagnosed with dementia. While not everyone will experience the same symptoms there is a 7-stage progression most individuals will follow. These 7 stages are then categorised by 4 diagnosis, No dementia, early-stage dementia, mid-stage dementia and late-stage dementia.

No Dementia, Stages 1-3

  • Stage 1 – In this stage there are no signs of dementia. The person functions normally and there are no signs or symptoms.
  • Stage 2 – Very mild cognitive decline. In this stage people start to experience ‘normal’ forgetfulness. This is sign is normally associated with aging resulting in loved ones and professionals not noticing the underlining cause.
  • Stage 3 – Mild cognitive decline. In this stage, loved ones may begin to notice the increase in forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration and speech difficulty. This is the final stage in this category prior to the onset of dementia.

Early-Stage Dementia, Stage 4

  • Stage 4 – Early-stage dementia. In this stage, professionals can detect cognitive decline problems during a patient appointment. The person will begin to have trouble concentrating, performing daily tasks such as finances, increase in forgetfulness and memory issues.

Mid-Stage Dementia, Stages 5-6

  • Stage 5 – Moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, signs and symptoms will be easy to identify. The person will have major memory issues and they will now need assistance with daily living activities.
  • Stage 6 – Severe cognitive decline. In this stage the symptoms of dementia will be having a profound effect on the individual. They will start to forget names and have little memory of events or earlier memories. In this stage the individual will have personality/ emotional changes, bladder control issues and anxiety.

Late-Stage Dementia, Stage 7

  • Stage 7 – Very severe cognitive decline. Stage seven is the final stage of the dementia progression. At this stage, most people will have no ability to speak or communicate. They will require assistance with most daily activities including walking, dressing, bathing, and toileting. This stage requires 24-hour care and assistance.

The 7 stages and signs of dementia
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