The role of socialisation in dementia support

Living with dementia could feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support in place, individuals with dementia can maximise their independence whilst maintaining an active social life, which is vital for their quality of life.

Understanding dementia

Currently, approximately one in 11 people over 65 in the UK are living with dementia, with the number continuing to rise as people live for longer.

There are many types of dementia, with the most common including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Each individual with dementia faces unique challenges, with the main symptoms relating to:

If your loved one has started to show mild symptoms of dementia, it is important to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible to get the right support in place.

Coping with dementia

Living with dementia can be extremely challenging, taking an emotional toll on the individual and their family.

Getting the right support to ensure their needs, encompassing medical, mental, and emotional needs, are being met is of the utmost importance.

Whilst there is sadly no cure for dementia at the moment, there are treatments and strategies that can help to manage symptoms.

We’ve outlined some of the strategies you can implement to support your loved one:

Maintaining a routine

Routine gives structure to your loved one’s day, which can help to reduce feelings of confusion and help them continue to do things on their own.

Clearly communicating what they will be doing throughout the day will help them to prepare and remind them of daily tasks they can complete.

This feeds into greater confidence and dignity by lending a helping hand to maintain their independence.

Getting out and about

Whilst it can feel daunting, getting out and about can make a huge difference to those living with dementia.

Whether it’s going to the shops or for a walk in the local park, the fresh air and change of scenery can have a big impact on their well-being.

However, this can be challenging for you to fit in, especially if you are struggling to manage the day-to-day care responsibilities for your loved one.

Our Community Care support aims to tackle this by providing an opportunity for individuals to get out, whilst giving their families some much-needed respite.

With a dedicated carer to support their needs, you can rest assured your loved one is being properly supported and can continue to fulfil their daily tasks.

Remaining part of the community

Feeling isolated has a big impact on anyone, especially those who are struggling with communication.

Maintaining social connections within the community can act as an anchor for those living with dementia, enhancing their quality of life and even having a positive effect on the brain.

The benefits of keeping hobbies and socialising can build confidence and keep the mind active, but individuals with dementia may need some extra support.

We understand that individuals with dementia might feel scared or self-conscious about going out in public because of their challenges with memory or language.

Our friendly Nexus Events team go above and beyond to support individuals to get out and do the things they love in a supportive environment.

We host a range of events to help people meet up with old friends and make new ones, whilst accommodating each client’s needs and making them feel safe.

You can find all upcoming events here.

If you would like to know more about community care and the services we offer, visit our websitecontact us, or email us today at info@nexuscareservices.co.uk.

At Nexus Care Services, we provide tailored care plans to support your individual needs. If you or a loved one needs support, contact us today at 0121 308 2906.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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