September is World Alzheimer's Month

September is here, a month that often signals change as leaves turn to shades of gold and the world begins to prepare for the cooler months. But did you know that September is also an important month for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s? It’s recognised as World Alzheimer’s Month, a time dedicated to bringing attention to dementia and offering support to those affected by it.

If you are a family carer, either thinking about or already providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, this blog post is for you. 

Read on to find out more about World Alzheimer’s Month and how dementia care at home can provide invaluable support to those living with dementia, enabling them to stay in the comfort of their own homes. 

The Essence of World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign that is held every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that often surrounds dementia. 

Launched in 2012, the campaign has grown massively in scope and reach over the years. It is a great chance to encourage people worldwide to recognise and understand dementia better.

During this month, lots of different events are held all around the world,  such as walks, talks, and fundraisers. They are all aimed at supporting dementia research and providing resources for carers, live-in carers and families. 

For family carers, this month also brings about a unique opportunity to meet and connect with others who understand exactly what you are going through. 

Access Care Explains: The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Before we delve into the details of in-home dementia care, let's first clarify what dementia and Alzheimer's actually are. 

It is key to differentiate between  them as dementia is not a single disease. It's an umbrella term that encompasses several specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and makes up between 60-80% of cases. It mostly affects a person’s memory, thinking, and behaviour and sadly tends to worsen over time. Other forms of dementia like vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, all have their different distinct characteristics and progression.

By having a proper understanding the type of dementia your loved one has can help you better determine their care requirements and the strategies you can use to support them. This knowledge is also crucial in making sure that their care is as personalised and effective as possible.

3 Activities to Do with Your Loved One Who Lives with Alzheimer’s This September

Getting involved in some fun and meaningful activities can really help enhance the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s. Here are three ideas that from our very own live-in carers that can help build connection and enjoyment:

1. Memory Box Creation: Find some personal items that hold significance for your loved one, things like photographs, mementos, and letters are all great for this. Together with them, try to create a memory box that can spark conversations and evoke memories. This activity provides a sense of nostalgia and gives you both an opportunity to share stories and experiences that may have been forgotten.

2. Nature Walks: Taking a walk in a park or garden can do the world of good. Nature has a naturally calming effect and can help to lessen any anxiety they may have while also giving you both a chance to gently exercise.

3. Music Therapy Sessions: Music can be a really powerful way for you to connect with your loved one. Create a playlist of their favourite songs or genres and spend time listening to the music together. Singing along or even dancing can stimulate memories and emotions.

The Challenges of Being a Family Carer

Being a family carer is a role like no other, with many rewards  as well as challenges. When you care for a loved one with dementia, you may have a mix of emotions, from joy and fulfilment to stress and sheer exhaustion. It's important that you acknowledge these feelings and find ways to try and manage them effectively.

One of the biggest challenges carers tend to face is balancing their family care duties with their other responsibilities, like work or parenting. Having to carefully juggle these roles can lead to physical and emotional burnout, which then in turn affects the quality of care they are able to give their loved one with dementia.

The progressive nature of a dementia diagnosis, tends to mean that your loved one's needs will evolve over time, at Access Care we know how overwhelming it can be to adapt to these changes as a family carer.

The Role of Live-in Care in Dementia Support

This is where live-in care comes into play. Live-in care is a personalised care service provided by a professionally qualified live-in carer who lives in their home care client's home, offering 24 hour live-in care support and companion care. This approach to care is especially helpful for those with dementia, as it means they are able to remain in their own familiar surroundings while receiving the specialist home care and attention they need.

One of the biggest advantages of live-in care is the continuity it provides the client. Having a dedicated live-in carer who becomes a familiar face often brings the client comfort and stability, reducing anxiety and confusion. It also means that the live-in carer can develop a deeper understanding of their live-in care client’s preferences, routines, and needs, leading to more personalised and effective live-in care.

Another benefit is the one-to-one attention that you get with live-in care. Unlike in a traditional residential care home, where staff are looking after multiple residents, a live-in carer focuses solely on their client that they care for. This personalised attention can massively improve the live-in care client’s quality of life, ensuring their needs and wishes are always at the forefront of their care solutions.

The Importance of Home Care for Dementia Patients

Live-in care allows clients to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their much cherished familiar objects and memories. This familiarity is crucial for people with dementia, as it helps them feel secure and reduces disorientation.

In-home dementia care also offers flexibility. Care solutions can be tailored to the live-in care client’s specific needs, allowing for any adjustments as their condition changes. This flexibility means that the care provided is always effective, and is promoting the live-in care client’s well-being.

Home care also supports family carers by providing them with respite and reducing the burden of caring for a loved one. Knowing that a professional live-in carer is on hand to provide round-the-clock support for their loved one brings peace of mind, allowing them to focus on maintaining their own health and well-being.

The Importance of World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer's Month highlights the importance of understanding and supporting those living with dementia. For family carers, it's a great chance to connect, learn, and explore care options like in-home dementia care to improve their loved one's quality of life.

By selecting live-in care, you are guaranteeing personalised, round-the-clock support in a familiar environment, ensuring comfort and continuity for your loved one. 

Ultimately, caring for a loved one with dementia is an ever changing journey that needs compassion, patience, and resilience. By equipping yourself with knowledge and resources, you can offer the love and support your loved one deserves, while also taking care of yourself along the way.

If you feel a loved one of yours would benefit from live-in care then please do not hesitate to contact us here at Access Care to discuss your live-in care needs. We can be contacted by telephone on 01264 319 399 or by email at hello@access-care.co.uk, we look forward to hearing from you!