Health and Wellbeing

Section: Health and Wellbeing

  • A central aspect of caring for those with dementia involves ensuring their ongoing physical health and wellbeing: regular check-ups, nutritional meals, maintaining good hygiene, and facilitating physical exercises as per individual capacities.

  • Mental wellbeing is equally important in patients suffering from dementia. Providing emotional support, creating a positive environment, creating opportunities for social interaction and engagement in activities can improve mental health

  • Understanding person-centered care is pivotal. Every individual with dementia is unique. Their care plan should be focused around their likes, dislikes, personal history and personality before diagnosis.

  • Be aware of possible issues related to wellbeing, such as roaming, agitation, anosognosia, resistiveness to care and sleep disturbances.

  • Maintaining a sense of dignity and respect for individuals with dementia is crucial. Encouraging independence where possible and involving them in decision-making can boost their self-esteem and wellbeing.

  • Sensory changes are common in dementia, which can impact wellbeing. These may include changes in vision, hearing, and sensory perceptions which can affect communication and understanding of surroundings.

  • Use communication methods fitting to their cognitive abilities and sensory changes, such as simple clear sentences, body language, visual aids, and reassuring touch, depending on individual preferences.

  • Enabling safe and familiar surroundings can contribute to the wellbeing of individuals with dementia. Avoid drastic changes in their environment and routine as this can cause confusion and distress.

  • Understand the potential role of medication in managing dementia symptoms, but also be aware of their side effects which may negatively impact wellbeing.

  • Learn and understand the importance of carer wellbeing too. Dealing with dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging for carers, which can impact their ability to provide effective support.

  • Be aware of legal and ethical considerations like consent, capacity, and power of attorney, to ensure the individual’s rights and wellbeing are prioritized.