AstridGuide – Dementia & Alzheimer Guide

Dementia & Alzheimer’s

Taking care of a Dementia sufferer brings a new challenge everyday. It is often difficult, and may sometimes seem overwhelming. You should know, however, that there are support services available. The first step to getting support is obtaining any information you can on the topic of Dementia.

There are many organizations spread the world over that can help you on this. Support services include:

Counseling: This can be especially useful for the patient as well as the caregiver. They can learn about new developments and also learn about ways to take care.

Health Services: These services also provide valuable services -

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1. The family doctor is the first to respond. He/she prescribes medicines and refers you to further specialists.

2. The CDAMSC or Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service Clinic can help in early diagnosis and identification. It is also especially helpful in prescribing medicines.

3. ACAS or Aged Care Assessment Service.

4. District Nursing Services.

5. Other health services including speech therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Home Support Services: Some of these services for Dementia patients staying at home, and for their caretakers are:

• Community Aged Care Packages.
• Meals on Wheels providing home-delivered meals.
• Home help that can offer help with showering, cleaning, and dressing.
• The Independent Living Centre in each State provides different services designed to promote safe living.

Respite care: Family members and caregivers also need to have breaks from time to time from taking care of their Dementia patient. This can be done by arranging regular respite care for the Dementia patient. Respite care has different types depending on the setup:

• Residential respite – this service is available in nursing homes and hostels to allow the caregiver to take a break from taking care of the patient.
• In-home respite – gives assistance in the home to enable the caregiver to have short time off away from home.