In 2024, a report commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, showed that 982,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. One in three people born in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime.
ELFT is proud to have many dementia services providing thoughtful and sensitive assessment and support for carers. This week we want to bring awareness to dementia, and to provide some guidance around caring for a loved one with dementia. It is important to know that a diagnosis of dementia does not define someone, we need to see the person, not the dementia.
What are the common types of dementia?
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Young-onset Dementia
- Mixed Dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Frontotemporal Dementia
How can I support someone with dementia?
When supporting someone with dementia it is important to know that each person is different, and support should be sensitive to the person as an individual. This is person-centred care, which is where you tailor a person’s care to their interests, abilities, history and personality.
It is helpful to promote a person’s wellbeing and consider their needs. They may be experiencing a world that is different to them, and to the people around them. Try to concentrate on what the person feels and focus on what they still have, not one what they have lost. To understand the person, you need to see things from their perspective, and find their coping strategies.
Coping strategies
- Practical strategies- setting reminders/prompts, preparing in advance, preparing a power of attorney
- Social strategies- relying on family help, seeking spiritual support, joining activity groups
- Emotional strategies- using humour, focusing on short-term pleasures, living for the moment
- Health improvement strategies- exercising, adopting a healthier diet, cutting down on alcohol and smoking
*Information courtesy of Alzheimer's Society