How to Support a Loved One Through the Stages of Dementia
For many people, the need to support a loved one through the stages of dementia is sudden and unexpected. Our guide talks you through each of the recognised dementia stages, and provides advice on the support which loved ones can provide, as well as the specialist support available from dementia care professionals.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a progressive condition caused by diseases of the brain. Whilst there are many variants of dementia, including Alzheimier’s Disease, there are several generally recognised dementia stages, and support options to enable individuals to live well with dementia throughout each stage.
How many stages of dementia are there?
Dementia can be broadly classified into three dementia stages – early, middle and late. These reflect the progressive nature of dementia, with the symptoms an individual experiences developing between each dementia stage.
Early-stage dementia
Early-stage dementia is the point when symptoms are first recognised and identified. These symptoms are likely to be mild, and may initially be more noticeable to others than the individual experiencing them.
This first stage of dementia is often characterised by mild confusion, struggles with short-term memory (although early memories may remain clear), and difficulties with communication and planning. Spotted and diagnosed early, the type of dementia an individual lives with can be better understood and managed. In some cases, medication can also help to slow the progression of dementia symptoms.
At this stage of dementia, supporting the individual to maintain their independence and continue to do the things they enjoy, can be really beneficial. Encouraging them to engage with meaningful activities can enable them to focus on what they can do (rather than dwell on things that are challenging). Equally, supporting them to maintain their social connections staves off feelings of isolation and fosters a continued sense of purpose and belonging.
If the individual is struggling with words and communication, be sure to communicate clearly and slowly, allowing them the time to process and respond to what you are saying, being supportive without being patronising.
It can be difficult for both the individual and their loved ones to process and accept a diagnosis of dementia, and the potential impact of this on daily life shouldn’t be underestimated. The transition from loved one to caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, especially if it was not expected.
Many people find that day care or ad hoc respite breaks can help with this, as it gives everyone concerned the opportunity to catch their breath, and can help people to revert to the relationships and roles they had before the diagnosis.
Day care visits and respite breaks can be a great support in helping those living with dementia to remain in their own homes for longer, tapping into specialist dementia care as and when needed. Many dementia nursing homes open their doors for day care visits, and are able to support those with dementia symptoms to take part in stimulating and meaningful activities, as well as meet others and enjoy a meal together.
Respite breaks are an extension of this – offering all of the benefits of staying in a dementia care home for a short period of time. This can be really helpful if the individual’s regular carers or away, unwell or simply need a break. It also provides a refreshing change of scenery for the individual living with dementia, and can relieve any feelings of guilt or frustration at their reliance on family members.
Middle-stage dementia
Whilst each individual experience of life with dementia will be different, the middle dementia stage is when symptoms become more apparent and begin to have a greater impact on daily life.
It is not uncommon for those living with middle-stage dementia to experience increasing levels of confusion, memory loss and disorientation. This can sometimes manifest itself in ‘sundowning’ – the sense that they are in the wrong place and need to ‘go home’ (even if they are already at home), towards the end of the day. This can be accompanied by episodes of paranoia, hallucinations or behaviours which challenge, depending upon the type of dementia an individual is living with.
This dementia stage can understandably be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones, and it can become difficult to maintain daily routines without support. People often find it helpful to build on their existing dementia support mechanisms at this point, perhaps combining ad hoc day care visits and respite breaks with regular dementia home care visits for additional, specialist dementia care.
Alternatively, making the move into a dementia nursing home during this middle stage can provide the opportunity for the individual to become familiar with new surroundings and routines before their dementia progresses further.
Late-stage dementia
At this dementia stage, symptoms may progress to the point where the individual is unable to live independently, and they need specialist, round-the-clock, dementia support.
Late-stage dementia often presents itself in a range of advanced mental and physical symptoms. These can include:
- Difficulty in understanding words and gestures, or making themselves understood.
- A loss of sense of time or place, with increased ‘sundowning’.
- Loss of recognition of themselves or others, perhaps not identifying with their own reflection, or expecting others to look as they were in younger years.
- Increased fear, distress or paranoia.
- Physical symptoms such as decreased mobility, incontinence, or difficulty eating and drinking.
Despite all of the challenges of late-stage dementia, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with the right support in place.
Specialist dementia nursing homes offer a secure and stimulating environment for those living with dementia – providing expert professional support within a comfortable and homely environment. Whilst making the decision for a loved one to become a dementia care home resident isn’t always easy, there is reassurance in knowing that they are receiving the 24/7 dementia support that they need, in an environment where they are safe.
Having this specialist dementia support in place allows loved ones to relinquish carer responsibilities, and instead focus on spending time together and creating precious memories. It enables them to prioritise the things that matter to their loved one – perhaps listening to music, enjoying art, being read to, spending time in nature or simply spending time together with family, friends and pets.
Support through all dementia stages
At Somerset Care, we understand that every person’s experience of dementia is unique, and that’s why our expert team are here to support you to right solution to suit your circumstances, at every stage of your dementia journey.
For information about our dementia day care, respite and home care services, specialist dementia care homes, and advice about financial support for dementia care, please contact our friendly and helpful enquiries team.
Expert dementia support
Our aim is to make what can be an overwhelming and emotional journey as reassuring and straightforward as possible. Please contact our friendly Enquiries Team for expert dementia care advice and to explore the support options available for you and your loved one.
