At Bluebird Care, we care for many people living with Dementia and Alzheimers disease. Here are some top tips from our team of professionals on how our care experts handle people with the disease, with care and affection.
Keeping Safe
- Driving: People with mild dementia may still drive, but inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) of their diagnosis. Assess safety with questions like: are they comfortable driving alone? Have they had accidents or near misses? Consider alternative transportation options like taxis or buses.
- Eyesight: Dementia can affect eyesight. People may have tunnel vision or difficulty focusing. Keep glasses clean and positioned for easy access.
- Hearing: Age-related hearing loss can increase dementia risk or be an early symptom. Encourage hearing tests and use hearing aids consistently.
Daily Living
- Eating and Drinking: Use brightly coloured plates to enhance food visibility. Offer regular small meals and snacks. Consider fortified foods or finger foods. Ensure well-fitting dentures are worn. Prompt hydration with easy-access drinks and reminders.
- Incontinence: Incontinence can be caused by dementia itself or other health conditions. Look for signs like fidgeting or going to corners. Set regular toileting reminders and consider incontinence products.
- Medication: Manage medication schedules and ensure pills are taken with fluids.
Maintaining Wellbeing
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity improves mood, reduces fatigue, and helps maintain strength and balance. Find activities they enjoy, like walking groups or swimming.
- Relationships: Dementia can affect relationships. Maintain connections with family and friends. Remember, the person with dementia may forget names or repeat themselves – be patient.
- Sleep: Sleep disturbances are common. Maintain a regular sleep routine, offer warm drinks before bed, and ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Smoking: Smoking increases dementia risk and fire hazards. Encourage quitting smoking and implement safety measures like smoke alarms.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Help with teeth and denture cleaning if needed. Look for signs of dental problems like bleeding gums or pain.
Additional Resources
- Driving:
- GOV.UK: Applying for the blue badge (https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge)
- Alzheimer's Society: Driving and dementia (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/driving-dementia)
- Eyesight:
- Alzheimer's Society: Sight, perception and hallucinations (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/sight_perception_and_hallucinations_in_dementia.pdf)
- RNIB see differently: Dementia and sight loss (https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/health-social-care-education-professionals/social-care-professionals/dementia-and-sight-loss/)
- Hearing:
- Dementia UK: Dementia and difficulty with sounds (https://www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-difficulty-sounds.pdf)
- Alzheimer's Society: Sight and hearing loss (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/sight-hearing-loss)
- NHS England: Hearing loss- what works (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/)
- British deaf association: The deaf dementia experience (https://bda.org.uk/dementia/)
- Incontinence:
- Dementia UK: Continence and dementia (https://www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-continence.pdf)
- Alzheimer's Society: Continence and using the toilet (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-10/factsheet_continence_and_using_the_toilet.pdf)
- Keeping Warm:
- Alzheimer's Society: Keeping warm with dementia (https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/keeping-warm-in-cold-weather/)
- Age UK: Top tips for keeping warm and well (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/stay-healthy-in-winter/)
- HM Government: Keeping warm and well (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weather/top-tips-for-keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter)
- Falls:
- Alzheimer's Society: Falls (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets)
- Nhs inform: Falls and dementia (https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls/why-falls-matter/)
- Relationships:
- Dementia UK: Sex, intimacy and dementia (https://www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-sex-and-intimacy.pdf)
- Alzheimer's Society:
- Sex and intimacy (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-09/factsheet_sex_and_intimate_relationships.pdf)
- Living with dementia your relationship (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/)
