Living with dementia
Understanding, Supporting, and Navigating the Journey
Introduction to Dementia
We understand that exploring care options can be overwhelming, and we’re here to make the process easier for you. At Bluebird Care, we take pride in providing premium, personalised dementia care, ensuring your loved ones receive the support they deserve.
Keep reading to gain a better understanding of dementia and the care available.
Click here to learn more about dementia.
It’s a challenging journey, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.
It’s a challenging journey, but we’re here to support you every step of the way contact a member of our team to see how our specialist dementia care can make a difference for your loved one.
Get in touch with our team today be calling our office on 0191 341 0190
What is Dementia?
Understanding dementia is extremely difficult. It can be very hard to grasp as there is a lot of factors to it. Dementia is not a single disease. It’s terminology used to cover range of individual medical conditions. Disorders grouped under the term dementia are caused by irregular changes to the brain. These changes lead to a decline in cognitive skills, ways of thinking and can have serious effects on daily life and the ability to remain independent.
Find out more about Dementia CareLiving with dementia
What causes dementia?
Dementia is a result of brain cells being damaged which interferes with their ability to communicate with each other properly. These damaged brain cells cannot communicate as they normally would resulting in changes in thinking, behaviour and feelings. Although early signs of dementia can be hard to spot, there are some which are more common than others and can be easier to notice.
Dementia is a result of brain cells being damaged which interferes with their ability to communicate with each other properly. These damaged brain cells cannot communicate as they normally would resulting in changes in thinking, behaviour and feelings. Although early signs of dementia can be hard to spot, there are some which are more common than others and can be easier to notice.
Memory loss or problems, mainly short term
Experiencing memory loss or problems, particularly with short-term memory, such as forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, or struggling to recall new information.
Finding everyday tasks hard to complete
Struggling with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed can make life feel more challenging and affect your independence.
Changes to personality or usual behaviour
Changes to personality or usual behaviour may include someone becoming unusually withdrawn, anxious, aggressive, or confused. They might act out of character, struggle to express themselves, or seem uninterested in things they usually enjoy.
Feeling more withdrawn or depressed
Feeling more withdrawn or depressed can mean losing interest in things you once enjoyed, avoiding social interaction, or experiencing persistent low mood. It might feel like you’re emotionally distant or struggling to find motivation in daily life.
Signs and Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of Dementia can be hard to notice and although the early signs vary, there are some common ones to look out for.
Common signs and symptoms of Dementia include:
- Memory loss or problems, mainly short term
- Easily confused
- Struggle to concentrate
- Changes to personality or usual behaviour
- Feeling more withdrawn or depressed
- Finding everyday tasks hard to complete
- Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
- Inappropriate behaviour
Find out more about the signs and symptoms and download our eBook here.
These common signs and symptoms usually go unseen and fail to be recognised as the early stages of dementia, often mistaken for normal parts of the ageing process.
You sometimes find some people may refuse to take action, even when they know something might be wrong. This is why it is important to give people the confidence and reassurance that it is a normal part of life and there is nothing wrong with suffering from dementia.
Seven pieces of information you should expect at diagnosis
- Your type of dementia and how it will affect you.
- Any further tests, treatment, activities or therapies that might help you.
- Who will provide your care and how to contact them, including the professional who will coordinate your care.
- Support groups and charities that can help you.
- How dementia can affect your driving and what you need to do.
- How your employer should support you if you work (or are looking for work).
- Any research studies you could take part in.
Living with dementia
How different people respond to Dementia
Unlike an upset stomach or a chest infection it is not always easy to recognise the early signs of dementia. It isn’t always easy to accept the changes that are happening. Those people with signs of dementia tend fit into one of these categories
Unlike an upset stomach or a chest infection it is not always easy to recognise the early signs of dementia. It isn’t always easy to accept the changes that are happening. Those people with signs of dementia tend fit into one of these categories
01 Unaware
Half of the people with dementia have no idea they have it. In fact, they dont think anything’s wrong at all. So if you point out they’ve done something irrational or unsafe, they’ll likely get agitated or angry. For instance they might miss a road sign and drive miles out the way. Once they realise that somethings up though, they’ll insist the sign wasn’t there, so thats why they kept looking for it. Theyre not lying. They just dont realise anythings a miss.
02 Aware and frightened
Another 20% of people realise theyre losing their cognitive abilities and are scared by it. They know their memory is faltering. They cling onto people they trust, nervous about upsetting or losing them. They search for skills they’ve lost. And they get upset when things dont happen as promised. So if you tell them you’re going to do something at a certain time, make sure you do. People living with dementia can be hard to live with and it is important to seek help.
03 Aware and hiding
The other 20% of people realise their losing their cognitive abilities, but dont want anyone to know so they hide it. They might leave a bill out on the table to make sure thy dont forget to pay it, but as more time goes on, fewer things get done. And they might choose to stay home or away from friends. That way, fewer people will suspect their health has declined.
Dementia Care Do’s and Donts
Find out more do's and don'ts and downloads our eBook here.
Do's | Don't |
| Be the calming constant for the person living with dementia | Try to reorient your loved one to be present, if they're in another time or place. |
| Be present n the moment - talk about today | Hesitate to take their car keys away, as its safer for them and they’d do the same if they were in your position. |
| Encourage conversation and laughter: it may be slow in coming but don't give up. | Expect your loved one to immediately follow your guidance, if you haven’t been giving them guidance before. |
| Use your hands when talking to show actions, because words may not be enough. | Change topics too quickly, as people with dementia can be slower to process things and therefore struggle to keep up |
| Enjoy with them and encourage activities they have an interest in. | Get angry with your loved one if they swear or use inappropriate language. They’re just trying to use abilities they still have. |
| Walk with them when they wander, they may be looking for the toilet or bedroom but cant verbalise it. | Ask open-ended questions like ‘What do you want to drink?’ . Instead include the answers in your question such as ‘Would you like a hot or cold drink?’. |
| Offer choices but limit them to just two at a time. | Don’t speak in ’baby talk’ or high pitched tones, as it’ll just make the anxious. Instead speak calmly using a deeper register of your voice. |
| Help people get started with a task - because sometimes they forget how to start. | Argue about minor things. Try to understand what’s happening and let it go. |
| Encourage friends and family to be around. | Feel selfish if you need a bit of time for yourself, away from your loved one. |
Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency
Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. It has a physical, psychological, social, and economic impact, not only on people with dementia but also on their carers, families and society at large. Reducing your risk of dementia requires starting healthier habits and lifestyle changes straight away, not waiting until you're a little bit older
Our Partnership with Alzheimer’s Society
We recently joined national fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Society, contributing to over £50,000 raised to support the fight against this devastating disease. As part of our efforts, we completed a 12.5km walk from our head office to Penshaw Monument, where we met with another Bluebird Care franchise. Our contribution to the national total reflects our dedication to supporting this important cause.
Find out more about our fundraisingLiving with dementia
Reducing Your Risk of Dementia
Key Tips to Reduce Dementia Risk:
Key Tips to Reduce Dementia Risk:
Eat a brain-healthy diet
Follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and Omega-3s.
Follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and Omega-3s.
Challenge yourself with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.
Stay physically active
Exercise regularly to promote circulation and brain health.
Exercise regularly to promote circulation and brain health.
Regular social interactions support mental and emotional well-being
Living with
dementia
Here are fact and statistics about dementia.
Caring for Someone with Dementia
Creating a dementia-friendly home is essential for ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of individuals living with dementia. As cognitive abilities decline, familiar surroundings can become confusing, and everyday tasks may feel overwhelming. By making simple modifications, caregivers can create a space that promotes independence while reducing stress and potential hazards.
To see more about caring for someone with dementia, click here.
The Importance of Consistent, Familiar Faces in Dementia Care
For individuals living with dementia, routine and familiarity play a crucial role in maintaining their well-being. Changes in environment, caregivers, or daily schedules can cause confusion, anxiety, and distress. By establishing a predictable routine and ensuring consistent care, caregivers can help create a sense of stability and comfort for those affected by dementia.
How Bluebird Care Can Help
At Bluebird Care, we understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Our specialist dementia care services provide tailored support to help individuals live well at home while giving family caregivers peace of mind. Whether you need regular visits, respite care, or expert advice, our compassionate team is here to help. Get in touch today to find out how we can support you and your loved ones. Let’s ensure that no one faces dementia alone.
If you need guidance or support in caring for a loved one with dementia, we’re here to help. Reach out to Bluebird Care to learn more about our dementia care services and how we can support you and your family on this journey.
Or, if you would like to find out more about dementia, click here.