Dementia is a condition which is caused by diseases of the brain. There are different types of dementia which can affect how the brain functions in various ways and at different rates. Types of dementia include mixed dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia , frontotemporal dementia disease and Alzheimer’s, which is the most common.
There’s currently no cure for dementia, but getting an early diagnosis can make all the difference to those living with the condition such as helping to manage the symptoms and maintain brain function, to making sure the right support and treatment is in place so they can lead active, fulfilled lives.
We can help; by giving you advice and the right support when you need it. Our mission is to ensure that a person living with dementia continues to live life to the full.
If you’re worried a friend or family member may have dementia, look out for these common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis:
You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But others will go on to develop dementia. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for more information, or call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or speak to a doctor for advice and help.
As dementia progresses, people will rely more on others to do things for them. It’s important that they feel reassured and supported, while still maintaining some level of independence.
People with dementia may need support with everyday tasks, so you could help them feel safer and more secure by creating a routine for them based in a familiar, relaxed environment. It’s important to make sure dementia doesn’t deprive them of their hobbies and interests – try cooking together, going for a walk or doing some gardening. People with dementia may also need some help when it comes to making sure they’re eating a healthy, balanced diet as poor nutrition or lack of food can lead to other illnesses.
We create links between past memories and the routine of daily living in the present, so our residents living with dementia are able to enjoy a meaningful continuity of life.
At Boutique Care Homes, our ‘Nostalgia Community’ is our dedicated dementia residence, where your loved one will be safe and well cared for by our specialist dementia trained team in an environment dedicated to suit their specific needs.
We support our residents by reminiscing through old photographs and memories to build a rapport and really understand their life experiences. People living with dementia are likely to interpret what is happening around them as being a situation from the past. This may appear to some that the resident is confusing the past with the present; we, on the other hand, see this as a natural way the person living with dementia can live happily in the present through their past.
