"Listening"

'As Mam has become more forgetful we are worried about her being on her own at night. The Homecare Team placed Julie and Anne who do sleepovers with Mum everynight. It has really put our mind at rest knowing that someone is there with her.The girls are so friendly and helpful' - Jemma.

As a loved one becomes more forgetful you worry about their safety and independence. We are here to help. We can provide whatever level of care required from very experienced caregivers.

Understanding & respecting the person with dementia is extremely important to us. We emphasis the importance for our caregivers to focus on the following areas when carring for a client with dementia:

• Focus on the persons abilities

  • Encourage the client to carry out tasks that they are able to do and allow them to take as long as is required to carry out these tasks, for example washing, dressing gardening etc.

  • Keep information simple and repeat frequently.

  • Break down any new activities they find difficult into stages.

• Coping with memory loss

  • When caring for clients with dementia it is important to be flexible and tolerant with the client as they may become anxious about their memory loss. Most clients will remember events from the past and find it more difficult to remember more recent events.

  • As their dementia progresses and their memories declines, it is nice to read these memories to them and allow them to reminisce.

• Respect their privacy and dignity

  • Always knock before entering their bedroom or toilet.

  • Always ensure that the door is closed or a curtain drawn when using the toilet.

• Offer the choice

  • Always offer the client the right to choose.

  • Always explain what you are doing and why.

• Listen

  • People suffer from dementia often become sad and upset, it is important to listen and allow them to express their feeling and try and understand as to why they are feeling down.

• Respect their religious beliefs

  • If the client would like to attended church then the caregiver should continue to assist them to do so.