Happily a lot of work has been done on how to maintain a meaningful lifestyle with dementia and there are several recognised methods of retaining a positive outlook.
Here are some of the most effective ways of coping:
1/ Reading
There are lots of blogs about dementia. Dementia Diaries (https://dementiadiaries.org/) gives a voice to people with dementia through more than three thousand audio and video diaries and is a rich source of insight and inspiration. The Alzheimer’s Society runs another excellent and varied blog, with lots of real-life insight, plus some really positive pieces on the search for a cure and much more (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog). Let’s Talk About Dementia is a great blog run by Alzheimer’s Scotland and is another big resource of stories about dementia from many angles (https://letstalkaboutdementia.wordpress.com/)
2/ Use coping strategies
These include setting up good sleep patterns, with lots of daylight and exercise in the daytime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol later in the day and a good sleeping environment at bedtime, all underpinned byt a solid routine. Good food and drink habits (nutrition), again with an emphasis on routine and quality. Support and understanding from carers: carers should be well-versed in the principles of supporting a person with dementia – simple things like being reassuring and understanding if anxiety is a problem; not challenging repetitious behaviour or questioning, but instead gently discussing issues and trying to identify underlying themes or anxieties, which can be softened with reassurance.
3/ Time with people you love
A reassuring thing to do is to spend time with friends, family and people you love. Quiet, calming and familiar environments – favourite chairs in familiar rooms – add to the general sense of reassurance and familiarity, which can be very comforting.
4/ Do the things that matter to you
Continuing to pursue your favourite things is a great way to both calm and reassure and individual. Listen to favourite music and dancing to familiar tunes can work very well. Don’t dismiss the idea of developing new interests or trying activities which appeal but which you’ve never previously got round to. Again, being absorbed and involved is a good place to be.
5/ Help with research into dementia
A dementia diagnosis can lead to a sense of being helpless or not in control. One of the best ways of coping this is to take positive action and by participating in research about the condition,. There are opportunities to do this online through the Alzheimer’s Society website, where there’s a page (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/take-part-dementia-research) dedicated to the subject.
Bluebird Care Bradford
We provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and a range of other support in the Bradford area, including Bingley, Cullingworth, Harden, Wilsden, Cottingley, Denholme, Gilstead.
