Dementia affects approximately 459,000 Australians, and this number is expected to reach 1.1 million by 2058. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you're not alone - and there is support available.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. The most common types include:
- Alzheimer's disease (60-70% of cases)
- Vascular dementia (second most common)
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia (a combination of types)
Each type progresses differently, but all forms of dementia are currently incurable and progressively worsen over time.
Early Stage Dementia: Recognition and Response
In the early stages, you might notice:
- Forgetfulness about recent events or conversations
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Challenges with planning or problem-solving
- Confusion about time and place
- Changes in mood or personality
This is often the most confusing time for families. The person with dementia is aware of their difficulties, which can cause anxiety, depression, and frustration.
What You Can Do:
- Seek a proper diagnosis from a specialist (neurologist, geriatrician, or psychogeriatrician)
- Get legal and financial affairs in order while the person can still participate
- Create a support network of family and friends
- Learn about dementia through Dementia Australia resources
- Maintain routines and familiar activities
- Encourage independence while providing subtle assistance
Middle Stage Dementia: Adapting to Change
As dementia progresses, symptoms become more pronounced:
- Increased memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty recognising familiar people
- Need for assistance with personal care
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Behavioural changes including agitation or wandering
- Difficulty with communication
This stage requires more hands-on care and home modifications.
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home:
1. Safety First: Remove tripping hazards, install grab rails, ensure good lighting
2. Simplify: Reduce clutter, clear pathways, label drawers and cupboards
3. Visual Cues: Use photos, signs, and color coding to aid recognition
4. Security: Install safety locks, consider monitoring systems if wandering is a concern
5. Comfort: Maintain familiar furniture and objects that provide comfort
Communication Strategies:
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Use simple sentences and one instruction at a time
- Allow time for responses
- Use non-verbal communication (touch, facial expressions)
- Avoid arguing or reasoning
- Stay calm and patient
- Validate feelings rather than correcting mistakes
Managing Challenging Behaviours
Behaviours like agitation, aggression, or sundowning (increased confusion in late afternoon/evening) are often expressions of unmet needs.
Ask yourself:
- Is the person in pain or discomfort?
- Are they hungry, thirsty, or need the toilet?
- Is the environment too noisy or stimulating?
- Are they bored or under-stimulated?
- Is there a routine disruption?
Strategies:
- Maintain consistent routines
- Provide regular meals and snacks
- Ensure comfortable temperature
- Play familiar music
- Engage in meaningful activities
- Consider respite care for regular breaks
- Redirect attention rather than confronting
- Document triggers to identify patterns
Support Services in Australia
Fortunately, Australia offers extensive support for people with dementia and their carers:
Dementia Australia:
- National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500
- Free education programs
- Support groups for carers
- Dementia-friendly communities initiative
- Online resources and fact sheets
My Aged Care (1800 200 422):
- Can arrange support services at home
- Respite care options
- Day programs specifically for people with dementia
- Referrals to specialized dementia care providers
Home Care Packages:
- Can be tailored for dementia-specific support
- Include personal care, domestic assistance, social support
- Can fund assistive technology
- Level determined by needs assessment
Residential Aged Care:
- Secure dementia units when home care is no longer sufficient
- 24-hour specialized care
- Structured activities designed for people with dementia
Carer Support:
- Carer Gateway (1800 422 737): Free services for carers
- Carer Payment and Carer Allowance: Financial support
- Counselling services
- Education and training programs
- Respite care to give carers a break
Taking Care of Yourself as a Carer
Carer burnout is real and common. It's essential to:
- Accept help from others
- Join a support group
- Take regular breaks (respite care)
- Maintain your own health appointments
- Stay connected with friends
- Engage in activities you enjoy
- Seek counselling if needed
- Remember: taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary
Planning for the Future
While difficult, planning ahead is important:
Legal Arrangements:
- Enduring Power of Attorney (financial and personal/health decisions)
- Advance Care Directive (medical treatment preferences)
- Will and estate planning
Care Planning:
- Discuss preferences while the person can still communicate
- Research residential care facilities early
- Understand funding and costs
- Consider respite care to trial different options
Financial Planning:
- Understand aged care costs
- Explore Centrelink benefits
- Consider speaking with a financial adviser
- Apply for Carer Payment/Allowance if eligible
How Able Nursing Care Can Help
At Able Nursing Care, we understand the complexities of dementia care. Our services include:
- Person-centred dementia care at home
- Experienced staff trained in dementia care techniques
- Respite care to support family carers
- Assistance with daily activities and personal care
- Meaningful activities and social engagement
- Support with meal preparation and nutrition
- Medication management
- Coordination with healthcare professionals
- Cultural sensitivity and multilingual support
We work closely with families to create care plans that:
- Respect the person's dignity and preferences
- Maintain familiar routines
- Promote remaining abilities
- Provide consistency in care staff
- Support family carers
Maintaining Quality of Life
Despite dementia's challenges, quality of life can be maintained through:
- Engaging in meaningful activities (music, art, gardening)
- Spending time outdoors in nature
- Maintaining social connections
- Physical activity appropriate to ability
- Sensory experiences (aromatherapy, pet therapy)
- Celebrating small victories and moments of joy
Remember: A dementia diagnosis doesn't define the person. They remain an individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and inherent worth.
Moving Forward with Hope
Caring for someone with dementia is one of the most challenging journeys you'll undertake. There will be difficult days, but there will also be moments of connection, love, and meaning.
Key Takeaways:
1. Educate yourself about dementia
2. Build a support network
3. Access available services early
4. Adapt your approach as the disease progresses
5. Take care of your own wellbeing
6. Plan for the future
7. Focus on quality of life over cure
8. Celebrate the person, not just the disease
You don't have to do this alone. Reach out to Able Nursing Care and other support services. With the right support, information, and care strategies, you can provide your loved one with dignified, compassionate care while maintaining your own wellbeing.
For more information about dementia or to discuss care options, contact Able Nursing Care. We're here to support you every step of the way.
