Did you know how to cope with Dementia
I guess you have arrived at my blog because you have a friend or family member who has or you may think they have dementia.How do you feel angry, upset and maybe even confused for that person and yourself,dementia steals lives and tears at the heart of families.I think most peoples level of awareness and understanding of dementia is quite low.From my own personal experience I found that I was not told what to expect when someone has dementia,this made it so difficult at times and emotionally draining.Perhaps the medical professionals cannot really say to much as I now realise every case is unique.I felt ashamed that I was in my middle years in life and knew nothing.
Has your family member or friend actually been diagnosed with dementia,there are usually a few tell tale signs to start with but we are inclined to put these odd events down to old age.It is surprising how many people go into a EMI home that have not been actually diagnosed with dementia,in my dear mothers case she went and had a head scan.EMI stands for Established Mental Institute,that sounded really frightening and horrible to me to start with and you may be feeling that way to.There are some lovely homes out there,nothing frightening about them at all,but knowing where to start is quite a mission.At what stage of dementia is your loved one at?,are you the carer or the closest member of the family,or it maybe a friend you are looking out for.Many people are placed in the situation of being a carer without having any choice and of course some are happy to deal with this very demanding role.
I have experience first hand to have verbal abuse and things thrown at me,I bet you have as well.Its all so terrible to start with when your nearest and dearest just turns on you without any warning.As we know all cases are different so you may be experiencing things that I have not dealt with.All we really want to do is just cuddle and comfort them,but at times they just wont let us.
Dementia is getting like a national epidemic and as we are living to a grand old age its only natural there will be more cases to deal with.In years to come. I really hope that now there is much more wider scoped research into dementia it will help future families with there dementia sufferer.
Dementia with a Capital Dis a eBook written from the heart as it is true experiences that have happened and contains many useful links for carers and covers other dementia issues.We all want to help the sufferer but if we do not have certain knowledge then the world becomes a difficult place.Sometimes people do not know where to turn to for help the links in this book are there to help you,some for carers and some for the sufferer.We can make their lives happier by just being there for them……….although they do not always realise that!
May I say that I have made many contacts through my mothers situation and think of her every day and of how loving and caring she was,I visit regularly and know that the care home is looking after her well.Sometimes I still have to leave early from my visits as she shouts at me all the time,then maybe the next time she is so pleased to see me and on my departure she will give me a kiss and cuddle and wave me off the premises with a big smile………….hence the saying “take each day as it comes”.
What ever stage you are going through I wish you all the very best,keep smiling.
Many thanks
Lynette