Dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as those around them.
‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term encompassing over 200 different subtypes, of which Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia are the most common. Dementia conditions are progressive, with symptoms increasing gradually over time and with different sufferers experiencing the changes at different speeds. There is no cure as yet, but there are treatments that will help to slow the onset of symptoms or that will help sufferers to live more easily with their symptoms.
The cause
Our brain is made up of millions of brain cells that send messages to each other. These messages tell us everything we need to know to cope with everyday life: how to move, they interpret what we are seeing, they allow us to speak. These brain cells store our memories and control each of our emotions.
Dementia means that, in most cases, some of these brain cells become damaged and die. As a result, the brain doesn’t function as well as it used to – simple messages cannot get through. Sufferers become forgetful and can become confused by their surroundings. They may not remember something that happened yesterday, or how to get dressed. They may fail to recognise their partner, family or friends. Sometimes finding the right word might be difficult.
These symptoms can be both frightening and frustrating, leading to anxiety, anger and unhappiness. The world can seem a confusing and unfriendly place.
The care
The challenges and fears of memory loss in older age are clear for both the older person and for the family members affected. If you have been helping someone live independently with dementia or are a carer, there may come a point at which contacting a residential dementia care specialist in this area is the best solution; often a difficult decision to come to.
Specialist dementia care aims to reduce the symptoms of dementia wherever possible, and to provide security and assurance – always. Specialist dementia care can alleviate the challenges and fears experienced by the individual and their family, and there can be many positive aspects to moving into a care home, including 24-hour support with empathy and understanding from experienced and caring staff.
At Avon Manor and Avon House, our two specialist dementia homes in the coastal town of Worthing, West Sussex, this always starts with a personalised care plan for each resident, created in collaboration with their loved ones.
For further information about Cobham Care Homes, including details for booking an initial visit to Avon Manor and/or Avon House, please head to our website.