The Factors That Can Influence Communication and Interaction with People with Dementia
The Outlook South West book for...
Dementia carers
DEMENTIA CARERS
WHAT IS DEMENTIA
It is estimated that there are currently 820,000 people with dementia living in the UK alone and this is set to rise over the next 30 years. As a carer, you are one of over six million people in the UK who provide practical and emotional support for someone close to you. Caring for someone with dementia, can at times be a challenging and demanding experience. Whilst there are often many rewarding times, carers also say that there are times when they might feel angry, upset or lonely. This booklet provides lots of practical information about dementia, its effects and different ways to help reduce levels of anxiety, stimulate memory and aid relaxation. It also contains information for you, the carer, about looking after yourself and ways to cope with some of the emotional changes that you can experience when caring for a loved one. As a carer, learning as much as possible about dementia, its effects and what you can do to support the person you are caring for, can help you to feel more prepared for the future and make the right choices. This booklet has been put together with the help of carers like you and contains lots of practical tips and strategies that carers themselves have used and found helpful. Whatever your experience is, you are not alone and details of useful organisations, local and national support groups, help lines, chat forums and books are available at the end of the booklet.
2
DEMENTIA CARERS
CONTENTS
Introduction What is dementia Coping with change 02 04 12
Understanding behaviours that challenge 17 Communication Medication Caring for the carer Caring for yourself Helping Wellbeing through occupation Relaxation for wellbeing Diet and wellbeing Driving End stage dementia Practical planning for the future Recommended books Contacts 22 26 28 34 36 44 46 51 53 57 59 60
You will also find a separate sheet accompanying this booklet. The back of the book
Dementia carers
DEMENTIA CARERS
WHAT IS DEMENTIA
It is estimated that there are currently 820,000 people with dementia living in the UK alone and this is set to rise over the next 30 years. As a carer, you are one of over six million people in the UK who provide practical and emotional support for someone close to you. Caring for someone with dementia, can at times be a challenging and demanding experience. Whilst there are often many rewarding times, carers also say that there are times when they might feel angry, upset or lonely. This booklet provides lots of practical information about dementia, its effects and different ways to help reduce levels of anxiety, stimulate memory and aid relaxation. It also contains information for you, the carer, about looking after yourself and ways to cope with some of the emotional changes that you can experience when caring for a loved one. As a carer, learning as much as possible about dementia, its effects and what you can do to support the person you are caring for, can help you to feel more prepared for the future and make the right choices. This booklet has been put together with the help of carers like you and contains lots of practical tips and strategies that carers themselves have used and found helpful. Whatever your experience is, you are not alone and details of useful organisations, local and national support groups, help lines, chat forums and books are available at the end of the booklet.
2
DEMENTIA CARERS
CONTENTS
Introduction What is dementia Coping with change 02 04 12
Understanding behaviours that challenge 17 Communication Medication Caring for the carer Caring for yourself Helping Wellbeing through occupation Relaxation for wellbeing Diet and wellbeing Driving End stage dementia Practical planning for the future Recommended books Contacts 22 26 28 34 36 44 46 51 53 57 59 60
You will also find a separate sheet accompanying this booklet. The back of the book