Living
with the Symptom of Dementia
How the Home Care Giver Can Succeed
Does my family member have a symptom of dementia? What
exactly is the symptom or symptoms of dementia? These are questions
that will come to the care giver's mind when the loved one begins
to show signs of lapses in memory, or inabilities to conduct
daily activities. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop the
dementia progression if it is beginning to occur. However, there
are ways to slow the symptoms.
 If the symptom of dementia
is suspected in your family member that is being provided home
care, then the first diagnosis
should be conducted by the physician overseeing your loved
one's medical care. To stop the possible resistance to an evaluation,
the visit can be "couched" as a routine physical. You
can express to your loved one that you have noticed that they
are not performing to par.
If you are able, and your loved one is mentally able to comprehend
without any disagreement, you can express to them that you are
noticing some symptom of dementia, but desire to ensure that
it is not cause by another factor, such as medication.
Whatever the cause, remember that the one with the symptoms
of dementia is a person; someone you love. Continue to treat
them as such, and as an adult. This was my circumstance in caring
for my father. I did not know enough about the varying stages
of dementia to know how to diagnose it. However, after much research
and understanding, it was determined that my father's dementia
was brought about by a poor diet and diabetes.
Dementia, a progressive brain dysfunction, will increase in
stages causing restriction of daily activities. Just as you go
to a doctor for pain in your body, the doctor can tell you exactly
what is causing the pain. So it is with dementia - the doctor
should be able to describe what is causing the symptoms of dementia.
The most common and best known cause is Alzheimer's disease.
But there is also Parkinsons,
Lewy Body, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington's disease, Lou
Gehrig's (ALS) and Vascular disease
such as a mini stroke. Each of these has there own progression
and mental results.
Assessing the Situation
If it is determined that the loved
one has a symptom of dementia, then the family, and/or
family care giver, should assess how the loved one's daily
living functions are being affected. Due to the varying symptoms,
and how it can affect lives, it is recommended that the family
hire a care manager to conduct the assessment. However, the family
will need to be involved as much as possible with the assessment
and its determined outcome. After the assessment of the symptom
of dementia is determined, the care manager may suggest that
the family member provide an in home care giver, or aide. This
aide can be a family member, or a hired professional.
 Many family members
disagree, or don't want to admit, that dementia is present in
their loved one. Furthermore, the loved one diagnosed with the
symptom of dementia will more than likely not admit, or accept,
they have an issue. Therefore, it might be necessary to observe
the loved one during a typical day to determine if the symptom
of dementia is observable through activities that can not be
completed without the assistance, or company, of another person.
The person there may only have to provide verbal prompting or
directions.
However, if the dementia has progressed enough so that it
leads to the belief that the loved one is unable to cope without
guidance, then it is likely a home care aide is required. This
can all be determined via an assessment
by a care manager.
A few activities where the symptom of dementia may present
itself are: the individual who is meticulous with their finances
is suddenly writing bad checks or not paying the bills on time;
or they are unable to determine when and how much medication
to take, even with a pill box. The desire here as the symptom
of dementia progresses, is to not make the loved one frustrated
or angry, but to make the once easy tasks manageable.
The individual may still be able to carry out the tasks; they
just might need a little guidance, verbally or through a demonstration,
something to move them in the right direction. One can not stop
dementia, but the family can make the life circumstances
manageable by understanding the behavioral
changes in dementia.
In Home Care Assistance
If in home care is required for the loved one diagnosed as
having a symptom of dementia, then the care manager can assist
with introducing the care giver. If the care giver is to be a
family member, then the care manager can determine if it is appropriate
to expressed to the loved one why the family member will be there
more often. For those with a symptom of dementia, if it is best
for them to move in with the family care giver, then the care
manager can assist with explaining why it is best.
When the family agrees that an in home care aide is
the best course to take, the care manager can assist with the
introductions. Furthermore, the care manager will have already
interviewed the care giver, and it is recommended that the family
be part of this interview also. As a symptom of dementia progresses,
you want to ensure that the care giver provides the appropriate
assistance to the loved one, and communicates accordingly with
the family accordingly if the symptom of dementia progresses.
Taking Care of the Family Care Giver
If the care giver does not take time for their personal
well being, then the symptom of the illness, the dementia,
will become all consuming, and not just for the loved one. The
care giver needs a respite, especially if the symptom of dementia
progresses. Remember, to stop dementia and its progression is
unrealistic. So, the care giver must ensure it doesn't stop them
from caring - or burn out.
To ensure this doesn't happen, there are agencies that
will assist in respite care, both for the loved one and the
care giver. It may be an at home relationship, or one where your
loved one can "spend the weekend". Another program
that can assist the family care giver is the joining of a dementia support group.
Both programs understand the symptom of and surrounding dementia.
They can diminish the negative affects of the symptom of dementia.
 As
mentioned, a symptom of dementia may not stop progressing.
However, don't allow dementia to
stop you, the care giver, or your loved one from living life.
There are programs that can assist you. As you move along the
stage of life that dementia will present you and your loved one,
walk with dignity and love.
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