How to help someone with dementia
Chris Broome – Chartered Financial Planner
Dementia Action Week (15-21 May 2023) is Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign.
Dementia is a progressive condition that affects a person’s cognitive abilities and can make daily tasks difficult.
Here are a few ways to help someone with dementia:
1. Be patient: People with dementia may have difficulty expressing themselves and may take longer to complete tasks. Be patient and try to understand their perspective.
2. Simplify instructions: Break down instructions into simple steps and use visual cues to help them understand.
3. Provide a safe environment: Remove any potential hazards from the person’s living space and use memory aids such as labels and reminders to help them navigate their environment.
4. Encourage socialization: Encourage the person to participate in social activities, such as joining a support group or taking a class.
5. Help with daily tasks: Offer to help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
6. Be understanding: People with dementia may experience changes in behaviour, such as confusion, agitation, or paranoia. Be understanding and try to stay calm.
7. Get professional help: Consult with a doctor, therapist, or other professional to learn more about dementia and the best ways to help the person.
8. Help with financial and legal matters: Help the person with financial and legal matters, such as paying bills and managing their affairs, as the disease progresses.
It’s important to remember that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but it’s also important to remember to take care of yourself.
Next steps
People experiencing dementia may find it a struggle to manage their financial affairs. If you are concerned for a friend or relative and you’re not sure where to start, please get in touch. Contact us
For more information on Dementia Action Week, and how to get involved, visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
