Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to make life easier.
One of the most important things to remember is that dementia is a progressive disease, which will get worse over time. As the disease progresses, the patient may lose the ability to dress, bathe, or use the toilet independently. They may also become more confused, restless, and agitated. In the later stages of dementia, the person may become bedridden or even lose the ability to speak.
No matter what type of dementia a person has, some basic things remain the same. People with dementia need help living independently. This is where you come in, as a home care worker, you can help with things like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
As part of your care services, you may also need to prepare meals, run errands, and provide companionship care. In this blog, we will talk about how to support someone with dementia care at home.
How to spot the early signs of dementia
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Early signs of dementia can be difficult to spot, as they often mimic the symptoms of other diseases or conditions.
Some common early signs of dementia include memory loss, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, changes in mood or behaviour. If you notice any of these symptoms in a client, it's important to advise your senior carer immediately.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for helping your client maintain their quality of life.
Tips for a dementia care assistant
Diagnosis of dementia and knowing how to get dementia support can be difficult for the entire family. A family member will probably have helped manage the loved ones dementia and possibly struggled with their own health. As a domiciliary care worker, your priority is your clients' health by helping make life easier through providing dementia care, which also gives the family caregiver a break.
It is important to remember that each person diagnosed with dementia will be affected differently. While some people may experience dramatic changes in personality and behaviour, others may only experience minor changes. It’s important to be aware of both the big and small changes which can indicate the dementia progressing.
An important part of dementia care is accommodating changes in memory and cognitive ability. As time progresses, the client’s symptoms of dementia will increase - they’re likely to have difficulty remembering things, making decisions and completing tasks. Try to simplify tasks as much as possible, and provide plenty of care, support and reassurance.
Another key element of dementia care is creating a safe and comfortable environment. People with dementia may become agitated or confused if their surroundings are too busy or unfamiliar. Try to keep the environment calm and relaxed, with as few distractions as possible.
It’s important to keep notes in the client’s support plan to help track changes in a client's condition. This can be a valuable resource when discussing the person’s care with other carers and your Community Support Manager.
Finding support from other dementia carers / home carers can be helpful, they can share their own tips and experiences. It's good to talk about these issues, the more you talk and share with your team and manager, the better you will feel prepared for most situations within your daily routine.
Tips for dementia care in the morning:
- Get the individual washed and dressed ready for the day as soon as possible. Chat with them throughout this process, it will take their mind away from the fact that they’re not as able to do this themselves. You are there to help them feel more independent and capable, with a little assistance.
- Help them cook breakfast if possible, or give them a simple, easy to prepare breakfast. This can help them feel more like themselves and in control of their day.
- Plan activities for the morning that are stimulating, but not too tiring. This will help keep their energy up and their mood cheerful, give them a list or write on a board near something they look at often. Ie: kettle, fridge or clock.
- Try to stick to a routine as much as possible. Dementia can cause changes in daily rhythm, and routines are reassuring. Anything out of the ordinary can cause problems, or sudden mood change.
The afternoon slump: a delicate time for dementia caregivers
Be aware of the importance of the afternoon
The afternoon can be a delicate time for those with dementia. It's important that home carers stay consistent and stick to routines already established. You also need to be aware of the client’s energy levels and help them rest if necessary.
Mood change and agitation
Be prepared for challenging behaviours that may occur during this time of day. To make the afternoon a time when they feel more comfortable and relaxed, monitor what works best for them - it may be reading, playing music, providing snacks or light meals. Caffeine and heavy meals can increase agitation and restlessness particularly at this time of day.
It's important to look out for signs of fatigue, agitation or anxiousness. Dementia patients often become restless and agitated in the late afternoon, usually associated with ‘sundowning’. A change in anything from the morning can set off an outburst.
Engaging in simple conversations can help make the afternoon a positive experience, keep it light. If they’ve had a nap and feel anxious about something, this could signify a change in mood.
If you walk into a situation like this, tread cautiously, talk quietly, and see if you can ask them what’s wrong or how are they feeling. This is particularly important if they repeat the same question over and over.
Sometimes a scared and unsure dementia client just needs some reassurance. They might feel uneasy and need an honest answer, in a kind way. This will help them feel secure, and they can move on.
Helping a client with dementia through bedtime and night time rituals
Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible.
A bedtime routine can help ensure the client gets the rest they need. It can also provide a sense of familiarity and security.
Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime
Stimulating activities, like watching television or playing games, can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. Try engaging in calming activities before bedtime instead.
Help them get ready for bed.
Helping a dementia client get ready for bed can be a calming experience. This includes tasks like brushing teeth, taking a bath, and reading a book.
Make sure the environment is dark and quiet.
The environment should be dark and quiet to help promote sleep. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones may help reduce noise levels.
Managing difficult behaviours associated with dementia
It's not easy to deal with the difficult behaviours associated with dementia, but there are ways to make it a little easier. First, you need to understand why the person behaves that way. Maybe they're confused and scared, or maybe they're in pain and can't tell you what's wrong.
Once you know the cause of the behaviour, you can talk to your Support Manager about an addition to the care plan. Working together to monitor the change in a client is vital for your team, and will help you provide the best care for that client at all times.
Some people with dementia may become agitated or aggressive when they don't know what's going on, or when they're feeling confused or frustrated. Others may become repetitive and obsessive, or may withdraw from social activities.
There are some things you can do to help manage these difficult moments:
- Keep the person's environment as calm and familiar as possible.
- Avoid sudden changes in routine or environment.
- Try to keep a regular schedule, with meals and activities simultaneously each day.
- Encourage the person to stay involved in activities they enjoy.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for social interaction.
- Make sure the person gets enough exercise and fresh air.
- Manage any pain or discomfort the person may be experiencing.
By following these tips, you can help make life a little easier.
Additional tips and advice for dementia home carers
There are three main types of dementia:
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Mixed dementia
Each type has its own unique symptoms and requires a different approach to caregiving. Always be aware that situations change quickly.
It’s very important to be calm, reassuring, and never engage in confrontation. Remember, the moment will pass. You have your care and support team around you to help at any time.
Further places for information about dementia and Alzheimer's include:
Dementia research - https://demruk.org/
Alzheimer’s society - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research
How can home carer jobs help with dementia care?
Home carers are an asset for dementia care of a client. They provide a wide range of services tailored to the individual's needs. These can include anything from home help and homecare services with daily activities to emotional support and respite care. Home carers can also help keep the dementia client safe and comfortable in their own home.
At Abney & Baker, we are looking for home carers to help with our dementia clients. We offer a fully paid induction and ongoing support and training for all our team members. We’re looking for more home carers to join us because of the increasing demand for dementia care.
If you’re interested in joining our team, apply here. Any questions, please contact us here.
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 - Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com - Book a call here