Dealing with your loved one's dementia in 2019

Taking care of someone with dementia can sometimes be challenging, especially if the person receiving care is a loved one. If dementia isn’t handled properly, it can often bring grief to family members and carers. There are many different ways to make life easier for both family caregivers and also the person with dementia, whether it be finding a dementia care or support worker, getting the family involved or finding a caregiver support group. Here are a few tips that may be useful when it comes to dealing with your loved one’s dementia in 2019.

Get the family involved

It may be useful to work out which family members can offer what type of support, and also when each person is available to offer care. It’s often handy to use a calendar that can be shared between each person, and keep each other updated. It’s good to talk openly to family members about the best type of care your loved one can receive, whether it be an extra pair of hands to help relieve some of the pressure and offer more care and comfort for your loved one. If extra support is something that you are considering, you can find a dementia care or support worker through the Careseekers platform.

Education is key
Understanding dementia is not only crucial to proving support for your loved one, but can also help you deal with any challenges that may arise. We all know the phrase “knowledge is power”, so learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s. Whether it’s learning about the changes that may occur, picking up cues of discomfort, or learning about what the disease actually is, the more information you have, the more likely you will be able to understand and empathise with your loved one, and the better it can be for everyone involved.

Find a dementia care or support worker
Finding a dementia care worker through the Careseekers platform to help support your loved one can make a big difference as family caregivers cannot do all things, all the time. Through the Careseekers platform, you are able to search for care or support workers who have qualifications or prior experience in supporting people with dementia, which can help you find someone who is a suitable match. Having an extra set of hands for support can often take a great deal of pressure off family members and make things run smoother for everyone involved.

Know what a care or support worker can offer and what to ask for
Dementia care and support workers can help out with many different things and are not only limited to housework, meal preparation and driving those who require care to appointments. Dementia care and support workers can also be good listeners as well as good company. They can take your loved one for a walk through their favourite park or other familiar surroundings, take them to go and see a movie, look through old photos and memories, and help them relive their favourite moments.

Find out what support groups are available
Have a look at what support groups are available for families and carers of those who have dementia. Many people find comfort in being around others who know what it’s like to care for someone with dementia or who are in a similar situation. It can be a great way for you to share your joys, frustrations and fears. Support groups can also bring closer together families, carers and friends of people with dementia, and are a great way to receive information or ask questions.

If you would like some advice around managing care for someone with dementia please call the Careseekers Team on 1300 765 465.

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To find aged care services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To find disability support services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers