How to Cope with a Parent with Dementia

Dementia Diagnosis 

Prior to getting a Dementia diagnosis, some of the early signs you may notice are: increased difficulty with simple, everyday tasks, periods of mental confusion and a change in their personality or mood. A Dementia Diagnosis is hard for both the person living with the condition; and their loved ones. Before doing anything, the first step would be just to give yourself time to take everything in; after this, you can start having a think about a Care plan, how advanced is the Dementia? What Care does the individual need? If you are noticing some early-onset Dementia symptoms in yourself, or a loved one, it's important to get these checked as soon as you can. Other early symptoms of Dementia can include: 

• Memory Loss
• Difficulty Concentrating 
• Struggle to Follow Conversation
• Repeating Themselves
• Becoming Withdrawn/Anxious

Allow Others to Help

Many people feel that when their parent becomes elderly or needs some extra help or support, it is completely their responsibility to make sure they get this and find that one of the hardest things to do is ask others for help. People usually reach out to other family members, or neighbours, for the extra support, but there may come a time when you need extra support, with things like Personal Care and Medication. One thing to remember is that there is no need to feel shame for asking for help, caring for someone is challenging and can be overwhelming, especially when they have Dementia. 

Dementia Homecare

Our person-centered Homecare, focuses on the needs of each of our individual clients; we ensure that the preferences and support needs are met. At Right at Home Solent; our aim to keep as many of our clients in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. For many people, they don't know that Care Home's aren't the only option. It is expected that as we all get older, there will come a time where we might need more care or support than we've needed before, and many people think that once you get to this point, a Care Home is where you're supposed to go. However, that's what Domiciliary Care Companies, like us at Right at Home Solent, are trying to change. Our Dementia Homecare enables Next of Kins feel at peace with their loved one getting the care and support they need, in order for them to stay at home safely. If you'd like to read more information about our Dementia Support Programme, which offers a tailor-made Care Programme to those with Dementia to be paired up with one of our Dementia Specialists, follow this link: https://bit.ly/40vUpE7 - if you are looking for Dementia Care in Fareham, Gosport, Southampton & New Forest East, check it out! Or contact us on 01329 233755 and ask to speak to Amanda!

What Happens Next?

If you are looking for Homecare for yourself, or a loved one, and would like more information, please follow the link and check out the 'Our Services' page - https://bit.ly/3FMAVmR or if you'd like to contact someone from our friendly team, give us a call on 01329 233755 or you an email us at [email protected]

We also have an online contact form on our website, which you can fill out and someone from our team will get back to you! Just follow this link: rightathome.co.uk/solent/contact-us/

Useful Sites

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/carers/ - Check out this NHS page for more tips on Caring for Someone with Dementia.