Brits in the dark when it comes to dementia
By News England

New research released today by Bupa Care Homes has revealed that millions of people don’t feel equipped to support a friend or relative suffering from dementia.

•    Nearly four in ten (37%) say they wouldn’t know how best to support someone with dementia
•    40% say they would not know what to expect as the disease progresses

There are currently 800,000 people with dementia in the UK, according to Alzheimer’s Society, with this figure expected to rise to over a million people by 2021. Many family members are often the first to identify dementia symptoms and try to care for loved ones as long as they’re able, but yet they still struggle to find the basic information and guidance to assist them.

In response, Bupa Care Homes, the biggest provider of specialist dementia care, is today launching a series of new films with choreographer Arlene Phillips that aim to guide people through the experience of caring for someone with the disease. The films will be hosted on Bupa’s new ‘Understand Dementia’ hub which provides information on the condition and advice to families who are caring for a loved one.

Arlene, whose father suffered from dementia, has spoken of her support for raising awareness of the condition. On Bupa’s ‘Understand Dementia’ campaign, Arlene said:
“I know from my own experience how frightening it can be when someone you loved lived with dementia. I wanted to make these films to help others.  Had I known what I do now, my relationship with my father needn’t have been so fraught and difficult.”

For those with no experience of the condition, it can be distressing when someone discovers that a loved one has dementia. Common worries include not knowing what to expect as the condition progresses and not knowing how best to support someone, through to thinking about what steps need to be taken in relation to finances or legal matters.

The site, www.bupa.co.uk/understanddementia, has been developed by Bupa Care Homes’ Director of Dementia Care, Professor Graham Stokes. Graham said: “When families bring a loved one to our care homes, they often tell us how they struggled for many years caring for them – sometimes on their own, with little support.  Supporting families and friends of those living with dementia is important so I’m delighted we’re launching the new hub which can be a one stop shop for information and advice.”
                                                                                                                                                                          
Simple advice included on the site includes:

PRE-DIAGNOSIS

  • Look out for extraordinary forgetfulness. Dementia is more than just forgetfulness.  Don’t worry if someone loses the keys – we all do that. Look for forgetting names of children, or strange behaviour like putting food in the cooker when it should have gone in the fridge.
  • If you think someone might have dementia, keep a diary – this will help you see the picture that evolves and could help with any discussion with the doctor. For example, Dad forgot my name on Saturday and didn’t know his granddaughter’s name on Monday.
  • When you want to take a loved one to the doctor, take advantage of another ailment – for example, take your Mum or Dad to see the doctor about a cold but pre-warn the surgery that you’d like the doctor to check out their memory. This will make it less stressful.
  • When seeing the GP, don’t be embarrassed to ask questions or take notes. People do this all the time.  And it’s important to remember what they say.

POST-DIAGNOSIS

  • After diagnosis, the first thing to do is give the house a once over safety check – let the gas and electricity company know so they can help with safety measures. And tell a neighbour – they can help keep them safe, like checking the front door is locked at night.
  • When speaking to someone with dementia, help them to concentrate and make it a pleasant experience.  Do this by removing all distractions – turn the TV and radio off – make eye contact, use a gentle voice of tone, pleasant expression. They will feel more relaxed.
  • Help your loved one keep track of time. People with dementia often lose awareness of time, so your loved one might sleep all day, or want food late at night.  Buy a clock with the day, week, time on it so they can orientate themselves. This will reduce confusion.
  • Break down small tasks and make lists – as dementia develops, basic tasks can become more challenging.  Bullet point how to make a cup of tea and put it next to the kettle. Put instructions on the dishwasher and washing machine.  This will help your loved one avoid making a simple mistake.
  • Adapt to prevent arguments. Sometimes, people with dementia get confused. This means they might accuse you of stealing money if they think money has gone missing, or drinking the milk if they think there was some left. Don’t correct or contradict, adapt and think fast on your feet. For example, suggest you look for the money together, say you’ll pop out to buy more milk.
  • Capture memories. Memories can fade over time, so get together as a family and capture them. It’s a fun experience that brings you together. Pull out old photographs of their home town, childhood friend, favourite holiday and discuss them together.
  • Give yourself equal priority – care for yourself as a carer.