Dementia is not an illness in itself. It is a collection of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different conditions, Alzheimer’s* is the most common cause of dementia, responsible for 60-80%* of cases. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected but essentially problems with memory or other types of thinking make it hard to carry out everyday tasks.
Early signs of dementia
People affected by dementia will experience symptoms in their own way but there are some common early signs that may appear before the diagnosis of dementia.
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to carry out familiar daily tasks
- Struggling to follow the conversation or find the right word
- Confusion over time and place
- Mood changes
These symptoms may be hard to notice and are often mild. They may only worsen gradually and are often termed MCI – Mild Cognitive Impairment. For some people the symptoms will remain the same, others may go on to develop dementia.
A key point to note is that dementia is not a natural part of aging so it’s important to see a doctor sooner rather than later if memory problems are an issue.
You can find out more about dementia by visiting our Dementia Care page.
When should someone living with dementia move into a care home?
Living with dementia at home and knowing when to consider outside support such as a care home environment, is very challenging. Every individual’s experience will be different.
Sadly, there is currently no cure for dementia, and the physical and mental symptoms of a person living with dementia will only worsen.
You may be in a position to have someone come in to help or arrange respite residential care for a break however, sooner or later, you will most likely be faced with moving your loved one into a residential care home.
The main consideration is whether the needs of the person living with dementia can still be met at home. It is a very difficult and complex decision as it may not be possible to identify what the person with dementia wants. This will depend on their mental capacity to make this decision, and there are likely to be huge feelings of guilt for relatives to deal with too.
As dementia progresses, your loved one’s needs are likely to increase; you may not physically be able to support them or to manage their behaviours. Care may be needed 24/7 to keep them safe.
Some things to consider:
- Increased care needs
Make a list of your loved one’s daily care needs. Check the list to see if you are still able to provide what is needed for each of these, given your other commitments in life.
- Carer breakdown
Are you coping as a full time carer? Physical and mental exhaustion can take its toll on all those involved in providing care, and relationships can deteriorate. Would taking that stress away allow for your time together to be happier?
- Social isolation
People living with dementia can feel very isolated and lonely as communication becomes more difficult for them. Some social situations can be overwhelming, too noisy and so they withdraw further. Specialist, supervised interaction may be more valuable.
If you are caring for someone living with dementia, it would be wise to look ahead and research the care homes near you that best provide for people living with dementia. Whilst you have time, maybe visit the care home in action and see if the environment would be a good fit so that you have plans when the time comes.
Consider what specific dementia care is available in the home, care / nursing staff and other support. Are there any special facilities such as sensory rooms, memory cafes and are there many other residents with similar conditions; how experienced is the team and home in handling dementia?
Dementia affects not only the individual but all those who love and care for that person. Finding a way to support your loved one and also to support yourself is essential. In the longer term, the right residential care home may be best solution.
* For more information on dementia visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia
**Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
