Dementia Support Critical for Nottinghamshire 2020

After reading two articles last week highlighting how quality social care in our community could resolve some of the financial pressures on our NHS it reminded me of the Governments Dementia Challenge 2015 – 2020.

(Emphasising what we do is preventative, working with other professionals we ensure people can stay happy and safe in their homes, keeping clients out of residential/respite units and hospitals.)

From our experience of supporting people living with Dementia in their own homes, we have a sobering view of how people living with Dementia should be supported in our community. However due to a lack of funding and time for quality personalised support, people are often guided or offered something very different.

Unfortunately, poor or inadequate Home Care can increase frustration and add to family Carer pressure. This could also force the people living with Dementia and their families to re-think their strategy for maintaining independence and daily living.

With the Government dragging their heels with the intended social care reform and the Dementia Challenge to make England, by 2020, the best country in the world for dementia care, pledging extra support, research and awareness, we need to see action!

Attending a conference after the Dementia Challenge launch, I remember thinking that we knew enough back then about supporting people living with dementia to make a significant impact, here are three proven recommendations that might help.

Protect Your Independence

There are many informative books and examples available in recommending and promoting how to support and live well with Dementia, there are a few book recommendations below that might help you.

Before we point out some things that are proven to help, beware of the negative information published, charities do great work, but they can also highlight an emotional response for people who might want to donate. Remember although Dementia is a progressive condition people can live well independently for years, every person is different.

Continuing your preferred routines and hobbies, social interaction is a great work out for the Brain, you might require assistance or support from others, it’s important you choose to live life on your terms. The people around you might have to change the way they communicate with you and make your environment more understandable; which will help you experience less stress and frustration, which in turn will help you with your confidence and well-being.

It has also been proven that certain lifestyle choices and stimulation can delay symptoms. The challenge that we face is that people are not given the right positive guidance or information quick enough. People with a mild cognitive impairment might avoid diagnosis or make slight adjustments to their chosen lifestyle that cause isolation.

Plan and taking control

Here at Right at Home we assist our Clients living with dementia to continue with their preferred routines and hobbies. Before we set goals or plan our objective together, every detail important to that person is documented.
From childhood memories to retirement we carefully plan how to best connect or engage with our Clients. As Dr Jennifer Bute (Seen below) mentions in her book “When facts are forgotten, feelings remain”

Remember some symptoms will be temporary and coping strategies will help any short-term frustrations. Strategies such as labelling items to help remember their purpose and having friends and family who are understanding and supportive of the diagnosis and frustrations.

The brain is a complex bit of kit with 6 different parts working everything from Judgement to Problem Solving, Language to Orientation. Each department benefits from different exercise routines and can even repair itself with the right activities. The lessons learned from stroke rehabilitation research could be used to support people living with dementia.

Your community is ready to help

Look out for your local Dementia Action Alliance members. During my time Chairing the Action Alliance in Nottinghamshire I have witnessed first-hand how committed our members are to action within their organisations. Here are a few recommended websites and organisations to support people living with dementia in Nottinghamshire.

• For a comprehensive search of services, groups and activities in Nottinghamshire, follow this link.
• Forget Me Notts – Free sporting activities and social interaction sessions for those living with dementia and their carers, follow this link
• Broadway Cinema – Dementia Friendly Screening Timetable, follow this link
• Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall.Our range of Assisted Performances provide unforgettable experiences for everyone, enabling those who may benefit from additional support to enjoy the theatre in a friendly and welcoming environment, follow this link

Recommended Books 

Dementia from the inside – Dr Jennifer Bute
The Alzheimer’s Solution – Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, M.D
Somebody I used to know – Wendy Mitchell