We provide dementia care at home in Birmingham
Dementia care at home
As a leading provider of home care services we understand the unique needs of individuals living with dementia. Our team of compassionate care assistants offer a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the lives of our customers in the comfort of their own homes.
We provide personalised care plans, assistance with daily activities, medication management, cognitive stimulation exercises, emotional support, and companionship. Our care assistants are trained to create a safe and dementia-friendly environment, implementing effective strategies to manage challenging behaviours and promote overall well-being.
With our expertise and compassionate approach, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with dementia and provide peace of mind for their families.
Help to maintain your independence
- Helping you start the day; getting up, washed, dressed and having a good breakfast.
- Support with medication; remind and assist you in taking medicines, as well as collect or return medication from your pharmacy or dispensing GP surgery.
- Mealtime: prepare meals with or for you and assist you at mealtimes.
- Outings; collect your pension for you or with you, shop with you or help you to make a shopping list, go to the shops, plus come back and put it all away.
- Domestic: help with your laundry or ironing and keep your home clean and tidy.
- Social outings: support you with social activities like going out for a walk, attending a day centre, visiting friends or family or going to your church or club.
- Personal care: a little pampering when you need it – the occasional visit to organise bathing, clean clothes, fresh bedding and a thoughtfully prepared meal before bedtime.
- At the end of each day, some help with getting ready for bed.
A little help when you need it the most
What is dementia?
The term "dementia" is frequently used, but how many people truly understand its meaning?
For those who have a loved one with dementia or are personally living with the condition, comprehending what dementia entails can be overwhelming.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by various diseases that harm the brain. These symptoms generally worsen as time progresses and encompass the following:
- memory loss
- confusion and needing help with daily tasks
- changes in behaviour
- problems with language and understanding
What causes dementia?
Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging but rather a result of diseases that impair nerve cells in the brain.
Nerve cells play a crucial role in transmitting messages between different regions of the brain and to other parts of the body. As these cells become damaged, the brain's ability to function properly and carry out its normal functions diminishes.
There are various diseases that can cause dementia, each affecting the brain in distinct ways and giving rise to different types of dementia.
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia presents itself in four primary types, with each type affecting individuals in unique ways, although they may exhibit common early symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 95% of people diagnosed with dementia fall into one of these four main categories.
In addition to these primary types, there is also the possibility of experiencing mixed dementia, which involves the presence of symptoms from more than one type of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterised by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. It is caused by abnormal changes in the brain, including the buildup of plaques and tangles. Symptoms include memory problems, difficulty with thinking and decision-making, confusion, and changes in behavior. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by damage to the brain's blood vessels, resulting in impaired blood flow and cognitive decline. It is commonly associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of stroke or heart disease. Symptoms may include problems with thinking, memory, decision-making, and walking. While it cannot be reversed, managing underlying risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive form of dementia characterised by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It shares symptoms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, including cognitive decline, hallucinations, motor problems, and fluctuations in attention and alertness. Diagnosing LBD can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and may involve medications and supportive care. Having a supportive healthcare team and access to resources is important for individuals with LBD and their families.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive form of dementia that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is characterised by changes in behavior, personality, and language abilities. Unlike other types of dementia, memory loss may not be a prominent early symptom in FTD. Instead, individuals may exhibit socially inappropriate behavior, apathy, language difficulties, or changes in their eating habits. FTD typically affects people at a younger age compared to other dementias. The exact cause of FTD is still not fully understood, and there is currently no cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care to improve quality of life.
Support for even the little things that brighten your day
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia symptoms vary from person to person, and different types of dementia can have unique manifestations, some common early signs and symptoms include:
- Memory loss: difficulty recalling recent events or information.
- Concentration difficulties: trouble making decisions, solving problems, or following steps.
- Language and communication challenges: struggling to engage in conversations or find the right words.
- Visual-spatial issues: misjudging distances or misinterpreting patterns and reflections.
- Disorientation: feeling unsure of time, location, or losing track of dates.
- Mood swings: sudden changes in emotions, such as anxiety, irritability, sadness, or fear.
- Loss of interest: decreased engagement in activities and alterations in personality.
- Reality distortion: difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
- Hallucinations and delusions: experiencing sensory perceptions or holding false beliefs.
Home care vs a care home for specialist dementia care
"From our experience, there is no doubt that the best care for anyone with dementia is home care. Staying in the familiar surroundings of their own home, where they have likely lived for a significant time, is essential for providing comfort and a safer environment for delivering care," says Indy Goraya, Director at Bluebird Care Birmingham West.
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and can no longer live independently, it can be challenging to determine the best care options.
Making a decision early on is crucial to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of your loved one.
When assessing care options, it is important to proactively consider and compare the advantages and disadvantages of residential care in a care home versus home care options, including hourly care or live-in care.
Navigating the choices can be overwhelming, considering factors such as what is best for your loved one, financial implications, and emotional considerations.
Fortunately, there are various options available that enable you to access appropriate support while maintaining your loved one's safety, independence, and dignity.
Benefits of receiving dementia care in your own home:
Specialist support for providing the best care to a loved one with dementia may seem limited to residential care homes. However, the demand for 24-hour dementia care at home is rapidly increasing due to its enhanced safety measures and improved care standards, as recommended by dementia experts.
Live-in care offers numerous advantages for individuals with dementia and should be carefully considered when weighing care home versus home care options such as:
- Staying in a familiar environment to retain memories
- Constant companionship from your carers
- Maintaining independence and keeping your routine
- 1-2-1 bespoke care unlike in a care home
- Care is available to assist you and your loved ones not only with dementia care but also with personal care needs.
Contact us today for dementia care at home
There are numerous benefits of dementia care at home for individuals diagnosed with dementia, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives.
At Bluebird Care Birmingham West, we strongly believe in the possibility of an enriched lifestyle with dementia through personalised care. This is the approach we implement every day with our current customers.
If you would like to learn more about how our team can provide high-quality care for you or your loved one diagnosed with dementia, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 0121 803 6787 or email us at birminghamwest@bluebirdcare.co.uk.