Definition and statistics
Dementia is not just one disease, it’s a banner for a whole host of symptoms that occur together. A person with dementia might not have all the symptoms and they might not all be present at the same time.
The common symptoms of dementia are:
- Memory loss, both big picture memories and everyday moments
- Difficulties with cognitive tasks including planning, problem solving and judgement; and time, depth, space, and place perception
- Changes in social ability, mood and/or personality
- Trouble with speaking, writing, understanding, and daily activities.
Source: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia
It’s never too early to reach out to a doctor if you feel you or a loved one might have dementia, as a doctor can help you make sense of the symptoms and advise on where to go from there. You may receive a dementia diagnosis or there might be other explanations for your symptoms.
Remember, people diagnosed with dementia can still lead happy and fulfilling lives. Recent 2023 statistics estimate that over 400,000 people are living with dementia and over 1.5 million people take care of someone with dementia in some capacity. You are not alone.
What are the care options for a person with dementia?
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to mean everything needs to change immediately, rather Dementia care can start with small changes. Every person is different so there are many different options for people with dementia.
Home Health Care and Home Care
You or your loved ones could employ someone from a Home Health Care service or a Home Care service. A Home Health Care service helps with the clinical and practical aspects of dementia, like medication, symptom check-ins, and physical tasks like bathing or showering. A Home Care service helps with emotional and everyday tasks, a bit like a companion. They help to deter boredom and can help with grocery shopping and the like.
Another medical option is a visiting medical professional. If you or your loved ones have trouble getting to a medical professional, there are services that can come to you.
Meal prep is another option. You can have groceries delivered, prepared meals, a whole variety of options for your convenience. Dementia care doesn’t have to be relying on someone else to come to you or your loved ones. It can be little things to make the day easier.
Sometimes people with dementia need more support and interaction. In this case, there are programs called Dementia Day Care that are run specifically for people with dementia. The programs offer the person daily social interaction as well as food and activities.
Respite and Permanent Care
A step up from Home Care is Respite Care. Instead of just spending the day in care, people with dementia spend an extended but limited amount of time living in a care facility. After this the person can return to their home or apply to stay at the care facility permanently.
Arcare is an example of such a care facility. You can find out more about our Respite Services here.
What are the options for a person caring for someone with dementia?
It can be hard caring for someone with dementia. It can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. But just like people with dementia have support, so do you.
There are financial support services from various organisations including the Government. Meanwhile, the above care options can help ease the physical demands on you and your loved ones.
Perhaps most importantly there are numerous groups and helplines to offer emotional support. There are people who understand.
National Dementia Helpline: https://www.dementia.org.au/helpline
