Dementia and Memory care
What is Dementia?
As a person ages we often see that they are more forgetful and we tend to accept that as part of the normal process of ageing. Yes, as we age there is definitely a slowing down of all brain activities and older persons can have difficulty in remembering things.
How is this different from Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is caused by damage to the brain cells.
The symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected the most. It can manifest as memory loss, behavioural changes, poor judgement and decision making etc.
5 Most Common Symptoms
or Warning Signs of Dementia
Memory loss
Normal ageing also involves memory loss.
How is it different from Dementia?
Normal ageing memory loss may include forgetting names or tasks but later remembering them. Dementia involves more severe memory loss. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there .They forget names, dates and also recent events like what they had for breakfast or whether they had a bath, etc. They tend to repeat the same questions over and over again. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places (newspaper or mobile phone in the refrigerator) They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Difficulty in daily tasks
People with Dementia face difficulty in completing daily tasks which they previously did eg buying groceries, driving, handling finances, cooking, cleaning etc. Some deteriorate to a point where they are not able to perform activities of daily living like Bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding or toileting.
Confusion and Behaviour changes
People living with Dementia can be confused and lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.. Some have hallucinations and can become very suspicious. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their familiar surroundings.
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Decreased or poor judgment
People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “comb” a “spoon”).
If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, it can be difficult to know what to do. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others. While most can be managed by the family at home, when the symptoms are severe it can be challenging to continue to provide care at home.
This is the time that families reach out for help.
What Kancare does
Assessment
A comprehensive assessment which will include a detailed evaluation by Multidisciplinary team. We often recommend that elders age well at home but in certain situations it may be better to consider institutional care.
Admission
We have a team of experts – Doctors, nurses, social worker, physiotherapists, caregivers involved in the care of each resident. Based on the assessment, the need for admission is discussed with the family.
Care Plan
Once admitted, a care plan will be formulated. Activities and routines are planned. The Care plan will be reviewed from time to time based on the need. We try to provide home like environment where the person with Dementia is cared for in a loving and professional way.
Facilities at Kancare
24x 7 Trained staff
Good homely ambience
Daily activities and Dementia care programs
Homely meals
Doctor visits
Physiotherapy