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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