How to with
“Life with dementia isn’t overit’s just a little different.”
- Peter Berry
It is possible to help your loved one live well with dementia.
Allow someone to live in the memories of their past.
If they are happy and content, consider whether correcting them is always in their best interests.
Ensure that they are in a supportive and friendly community.
Socialisation has been shown to slow the progress of cognitive impairment in some dementia patients.
Support them to continue with the hobbies and interests they had prior to their diagnosis.
Gardening and being in nature helps to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anger.
Encourage them to indulge in creative activities. Making art is a therapeutic way to keep the mind engaged, increase cognitive stimulation and reduce agitation.
More importantly it provides joy and allows for self expression.
Encourage them and assist them in going for walks to maintain their physical fitness.
Exercise has so many benefits; it can create a routine, help someone to maintain their independence for longer and improve their mental wellbeing.
Write down lists and instructions for them to follow. This can be daily tasks, how to use appliances or reminders to take medications.
Structure can help someone to feel more independent. Creating a daily routine allows for predictability which alleviates anxiety and can help them better understand their environment.
Encourage them to do games and puzzles that challenge their mind.
Even advanced dementia patients benefit from mental exercises that engage multiple parts of the brain at once.
Surround them with family members. Including them in group discussions can keep them engaged in conversations and help them to feel valued, included and loved.
Their relationships and support system shapes how they live well and cope with the effects of dementia.
