Mental Health Moment

Filling an Increasing Need: Caring for Those with Dementia

Dementia usually starts with occasional instances of being forgetful, but over time, it progresses to cognitive decline… times when certain daily routines become more challenging. Dementia has many faces. The one common denominator is that is most always creates and increasing need for care from a family member or other caregiver.

Spouses of someone with dementia often struggle with releasing control of daily care, and may feel guilt that they should be able to somehow do it all. The adult children of people living with dementia may step in and try to assist when needed, but work responsibilities make it difficult to balance family needs with work demands.

A GROWING NEED

Adult Day Service programs allow respite care and alleviate caregiver stress. In many instances, the great amount of stress that caregivers experience can cause their health to decline. Both physical health and emotional health are at stake.

• In the past five years, more than 40 million family caregivers provided 37 billion hours of care for loved ones. The value of this care is estimated at $470 billion.

• At least 20% of adult children are taking care of an older parent.

• About 85% of family caregivers in the U.S. do not receive any respite care. Source: Aging in Place

Activities that stimulate cognition, such as math and word games are valuable for keeping ‘mentally fit’ for those with early-stage mild cognitive impairment. Music and dance stimulate all four quadrants of the brain and involve the social component that releases endorphins into the brain. Conversation and interaction are vital to health and happiness. Having a place to go where you are welcomed and accepted creates not only a feeling of wellbeing but a sense of purpose and change of scenery from the home environment.

“We improve quality of life and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment through arts and activities, promote individual independence, eliminate social isolation, reduce loneliness and depression, promote a sense of bonding with others through activities, provide cognition stimulation, a chance to make friendships and have meaning social interaction,” says Meg Ann Clark, Adult Day Services Manager for Senior Friendship Centers in Venice, Florida.

It is important to recognize the changes in cognitive capabilities in our loved ones and to realize that it is common in older ages. In fact, one in three people will have some form of dementia in their life. It is imperative to dispel the stigma that there is anything ‘wrong” with these changes. Compassion is key as a caregiver. By focusing on the gifts that remain, we honor and respect the individual. In doing this, we help support our loved ones throughout the journey of aging.

Beth Douglas is a marketing communications professional and an advocate for seniors – especially those who are living with dementia-related illness. She is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Senior Friendship Centers.