Dementia covers a spectrum of neurological conditions that affect cognitive function, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement. These symptoms go beyond normal age-related changes and impact people’s daily life, independence, and relationships.
At Assured Healthcare and Wellness, we understand the complexities of dementia and the critical importance of compassionate, personalised care. Our approach offers a supportive and understanding environment for clients and their families, and we tailor our services to each person’s unique situation. Our specialised treatment plans aim to maximise quality of life, preserve function as long as possible, and provide support to families and caregivers.
Contact us for a confidential conversation about our dementia care options and how we can assist you or your loved one on their journey with dignity and respect.
Treatment Approach at AHW for Dementia Care
At Assured Healthcare and Wellness, our treatment for dementia begins with a thorough assessment to develop a personalised care plan. We understand that dementia affects each person differently, and our home-based treatment is designed to address the specific challenges and needs of those living with this condition. Our comprehensive treatment approach includes:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Engaging activities and exercises in the comfort of your home to enhance cognitive function and slow the progression of symptoms.
- Medication Management: Carefully balancing medications to manage symptoms effectively while minimising side effects, ensuring the best possible quality of life.
- Behavioural Support: Tailored strategies to address behavioural changes and challenges, providing comfort and reducing stress for clients and caregivers.
- Domestic Assistance and Environmental Adaptation: Assisting with daily domestic tasks and advising on adapting the living environment to ensure comfort and safety. We help streamline routines and create a dementia-friendly home to reduce stress and promote independence.
Our approach focuses on maintaining independence and dignity for as long as possible, emphasising strengths rather than limitations. By delivering care in your home, we aim to make living with dementia more manageable.
The AHW Difference in Dementia Treatment
At Assured Healthcare and Wellness, our dementia treatment plans are built on an in-depth understanding of dementia’s multifaceted challenges:
- A Personal Sanctuary for Healing: For those living with dementia, familiar surroundings can significantly reduce anxiety and confusion. Traditional care settings, especially some dementia care homes, can sometimes feel chaotic and overwhelming, not just due to unfamiliarity but also because of other residents’ unpredictable behaviour. Our home-based care ensures a sense of security and comfort, vital for enhancing well-being.
- Adapted Care to Meet Changing Needs: The progression of dementia requires flexible care strategies. Our treatment plans evolve with your changing needs, ensuring relevant and practical support at every stage.
- Holistic Support for Families: Beyond the individual, dementia affects entire families. We offer comprehensive education and support for families, helping them adapt to new roles and understand how best to support their loved ones.
- Empowering Through Engagement: While there is no cure for dementia, our focus is on maximising quality of life through cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement tailored to each person’s abilities and interests.
Choosing AHW means opting for a dementia care approach that values dignity, promotes engagement, and supports families as integral parts of the treatment journey. We acknowledge the unique person behind the diagnosis and are dedicated to making the dementia journey as positive and supported as possible.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is marked by a decline in memory, reasoning, and other cognitive functions that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. The progression and manifestation of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, but common symptoms include:
- Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, and names, which is often one of the first signs noticed by families.
- Cognitive Impairment: Problems with complex tasks, planning, organising, problem-solving, and sometimes spatial awareness.
- Language Difficulties: Trouble following conversations, finding the right words, or understanding complex sentences.
- Personality and Behavioral Changes: Alterations in mood, behaviour, and personality, such as increased agitation, social withdrawal, apathy, or depression.
- Disorientation: People with dementia may become lost in previously familiar settings or lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.
- Difficulty with Routine Tasks: Struggling with daily tasks that require sequential steps, such as dressing or preparing meals.
- Judgment and Decision Making: Showing poor judgement in social or financial decisions, which may be out of character.
Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing dementia effectively. Understanding these symptoms helps families seek timely advice and support, facilitating a better quality of life for those affected. While there is no cure for most types of dementia, treatments and care strategies can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve the lives of individuals and their caregivers.
Recognising these signs and symptoms as part of a broader condition requiring professional support is the first step toward navigating dementia with compassion and dignity. If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone you love, contact AHW today.
Types of Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions, each with its own causes and symptoms. Key types include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form of dementia, characterised by memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behaviour.
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive impairments that can occur suddenly following a stroke or gradually from blood vessel damage.
- Lewy Body Dementia: Marked by the presence of Lewy bodies (abnormal protein deposits) in the brain, affecting cognition, behaviour, and movement.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Involves damage to brain regions associated with personality, behaviour, and language.
- Mixed Dementia: Occurs when a person has changes in the brain associated with more than one type of dementia simultaneously.
Understanding the specific type of dementia is vital when tailoring treatment and care plans, as each type may progress differently and respond to different interventions. We are partnered with several well-established dementia specialists who can offer testing and diagnosis.
