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Home Truths: Supporting you through a dementia diagnoses.

Dementia affects countless families, presenting challenges that can feel overwhelming. Home Truths is here to help.

Dementia’s Profound Impact on Families

Dementia affects countless families, presenting challenges that can feel overwhelming. At Home Instead Richmond, we recognise these struggles and are dedicated to supporting families  understand the symptoms of dementia, as well as promoting a dementia-friendly society.

Understanding Dementia’s Reach, statistics from the Alzheimer’s Society

  • Prevalence: Approximately 982,000 individuals in the UK are living with dementia, a figure projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
  • Global Perspective: Worldwide, fifty-five million people are affected by dementia, with estimates suggesting this number will reach 139 million by 2050.

Our Commitment at Home Instead Richmond

Through our work, we experience the profound impact of dementia on a daily basis. With so many families not knowing where to turn to for support, we’ve taken proactive steps to educate families beyond our direct care services. We’re proud to introduce the ‘Home Truths’ YouTube channel, dedicated to sharing real-life stories about dementia and its effects. Our goal is to raise awareness and foster understanding by:

  • Explaining what dementia is.
  • Highlighting common symptoms.
  • Providing guidance on accessing appropriate support and how to make reasonable adjustments in the home.
  • Offering tips for meaningful and supportive communication with individuals living with dementia.

Through these efforts, we aim to empower families and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the challenges of dementia with compassion and confidence.

In this video, members of the Home Instead team share their top swaps in the home for a person living with dementia. From clocks to remote controls, we have thought of everything.

It’s not just the practical elements of dementia which Home Truths is interested in highlighting however, it’s how to manage post-diagnoses and how Home Instead can support. In this video , we meet David a music and gardening enthusiast as he navigates his way through having dementia and the adaptions he has had to make in his life. David tells his story with honesty and humour. His journey highlights the importance of fully understanding the condition and accepting support in order to keep living a full life.

Supporting a Loved One with Dementia

If you’re loved one is showing symptoms of dementia, caring for them will require patience and understanding. Here are some practical tips:

  • Person-Centred Care: Focus on the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Support should promote their well-being and concentrate on their feelings rather than memory lapses.
  • Effective Communication:
    • Position yourself where they can see and hear you clearly, usually in front and at eye level.
    • Maintain eye contact and ensure your face is well-lit.
  • Memory Aids: Consider creating a ‘memory book’ or ‘memory box’ with photos and brief information about people and events. This can serve as a helpful reference for your loved one.

Local Support in Richmond

We are incredibly fortunate here in Richmond to have a variety of dementia-friendly and supportive services in our area.

If you, or your loved one ae like David and enjoy gardening, Kew Gardens offer dementia-friendly walks  once a month.  These walks are designed to be accessible for people with dementia and led by trained volunteers.

https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/dementia-friendly-walks

Music and singing is a wonderful activity for people who suffer with dementia. Music is an incredible tool to access memories, boost wellbeing and a tool to process and make sense of the world. Please visit the Alzheimer’s Society for details of your nearest ‘Singing for the Brain.’

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/your-dementia-support-services/singing-for-the-brain

If you are looking for further support, please call us at the Richmond Home Instead office. We would be very happy to talk through you or your loved one’s care needs and how we can help.