Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a term used to describe the symptoms of a range of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour. While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people. For more information, click here.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain, leading to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with thinking and problem-solving. It is the most common cause of dementia. Over time, Alzheimer’s impairs the ability to perform everyday tasks and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. It typically affects older adults but can also impact younger people in rare cases.

The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia lies in the fact that dementia is an umbrella term that covers a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are other types as well.

There are many types of dementia but the most common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met.

Diagnosing dementia typically involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. This includes a medical history review, cognitive testing to assess memory and thinking skills, and brain imaging (like MRIs or CT scans) to rule out other conditions. Blood tests may also be done to check for other possible causes. A comprehensive assessment helps doctors determine if the symptoms are related to dementia and what type it might be.

Thinking about the move into residential care is never easy and can bring up all sorts of emotions. It’s time to start the conversation about moving into care when you have concerns that your loved one isn’t coping well with day-to-day activities or if you feel safety is a concern. The earlier you start the conversation, the more time everyone will have to consider options and make informed decisions.

Dementia has a huge impact not only on the person who has been diagnosed, but also on those closest to them. Some of the feelings commonly experienced by carers include guilt, grief, loss and even anger. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to move into long-term care, feel free to arrange for a chat with our knowledgeable team who’ll be happy to offer advice or put you in touch with other carers who are going through the same thing and can offer support and understanding.

Think about a short stay in respite care to start with. Perhaps arrange to go and have lunch or participate in an activity that your loved one enjoys. This will give you both a chance to find out if the Care Community feels like a good fit and it will give you both confidence in your decision.

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about making such a big decision. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Our team understands that it can feel overwhelming and they can provide direct support and suggest strategies to make things easier.

Moving house is among the most stressful life events. When moving house is combined with a big life change like moving into residential care, it can have a significant impact. Often the move into care comes about as a result of a traumatic event such as a fall rather than a considered decision process, so the circumstances around the move can feel overwhelming and out of the person’s control. Sometimes the person moving into care can take out their frustrations on their family if they don’t feel in control. It’s important to ensure that your loved one feels a part of the decision making process. If this happens, try not to take it personally. Our team are here to help and support both you and your loved one through this time.

Everyone’s different but on average you can expect most people to start feeling more comfortable and at home in around two to six weeks. It’s a big adjustment so try not to get disheartened if it seems to take a while. The most important thing is to just take each day at a time and speak with our leadership team if you have any concerns.