Living with
Dementia
in 2015
Dementia is a word that we
have come to hear more
and more frequently in daily
life. But what does it mean?
The term dementia describes a set of
symptoms that can include memory loss
and difficulties with thinking, problemsolving or language.
Dementia is caused when the brain
is damaged by diseases, such as
Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes.
The condition will affect nearly all of us at
some point in our lives, either as a patient,
carer or friend.
There are currently 820,000 people in
the UK with dementia and many more
individuals living with undiagnosed
dementia.
- y 2015 there will be 850,000 people
B
with dementia in the UK
- here are 40,000 younger people with
T
dementia in the UK
- here will be 1 million people with
T
dementia in the UK by 2025
- ne in six people aged 80 and over have
O
dementia
- wo thirds of people with dementia are
T
women
Although dementia can be confusing for
both the individual and their loved ones,
with the right information and support,
those living with dementia lead long and
fulfilled lives. As many of us live to a
greater age, more of us also wish to live
independently for longer, whatever our
physical, mental and emotional needs may
be. For individuals living with dementia,
independence remains a felt and valued
need. Increasing experience and growing
evidence shows us that there are effective
ways of ensuring that this is maintained.
Everyone affected by dementia has a
unique story to tell so it is important to
avoid talking about or describing a person
as a group of symptoms, medical terms
and problems and focusing on what
the person can do at home rather than
what the person cannot do. To achieve
this, it may be necessary to make some
adaptions to their homes or to use new
equipment and/or assistive technology that
has been designed to enable people with
dementia to remain independent or make
it easier for others to give support.
As everyone will experience dementia
in their own way, the type of risks they
face, and strategies to manage these, will
depend on the individual and their needs.
The points below are a general look at
how a person with dementia can live
safely at home:
• olour contrasts are often a quick and
C
effective way of helping surroundings
to stand out - for example, painting
handrails, doors and furniture in different
colours.
• eminiscence rooms that are decorated
R
to replicate past eras, such as the 1950s,
with relevant artefacts, such as radios
and TVs can be effective in helping
individuals relax and feel safe.
• urrounding a person with photos or
S
images that trigger some favourite
memories can be helpful.
• abelling cupboards and objects with
L
pictures and words so that they can be
more identifiable.
• Make everything in the home easily
recognisable
• Where possible, devices that only have
one function are easier to identify to use,
for example a kettle.
• Place clear instructions that can easily be
followed somewhere visible.
• Make sure the kitchen is well lit
• If there are concerns about using gas
or electrical appliances inappropriately,
isolation valves can be fitted so that the
gas cooker cannot be turned on and left
on. Devices are also available for electric
cookers.
• If the person’s ability to recognise
danger is declining, consider removing
potentially dangerous implements such
as sharp knives, but place other items for
everyday use within easy reach.
Both sheltered housing environments and
care homes should try where possible to
make these adaptations in order for each
individual to feel safe and secure in their
accommodation and have the best quality
of life.
Further information on dementia can
be found at alzheimers.org.uk or
dementiafriends.org.uk
By Rebecca Fuller
Sussex Housing and Care
37