Care and support needs As a person’s dementia symptoms progress, you or they may need some help or support on a daily basis. There are differing levels of support, from simple home aids which help with tasks that are becoming more difficult, through to formal social care support from a home care provider and onto residential care. I am grateful that mum is well cared-for in a good specialist unit and grateful we could afford to pay for it. It was the only place I saw where I felt comfortable for her to go and there is a huge waiting list.
www.carechoices.co.uk/dementia
Completing an advance care plan with your loved one can indicate which care and support options may be best. See page 55 for more information.
ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING Simple aids and adaptations around the house can make a huge difference to someone’s independence. They can be subtle and unobtrusive to help manage everyday tasks. These could include medicine dispensers, cupboard labels or pictures, contrasting coloured crockery or large-handled utensils. There is a wealth of different items. There is also an increasing number of electronic devices or assistive technology products on the market that can offer support to someone with dementia. These can include sensors that indicate when the gas or water is left on, devices that notify if someone leaves the house and voice commands to remind your loved one of specific actions. You can even record the messages yourself to offer a familiar voice.
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