There is a good deal of support when it comes to maintaining a meaningful lifestyle and there are a number of recognised methods of retaining a positive outlook.
Here are some excellent ways of coping:
1/ Find out about other people's stories
There are lots of blogs about dementia. Dementia Diaries (https://dementiadiaries.org/) has more than three thousand audio and video diaries and is a rich source of insight and inspiration. The Alzheimer’s Society runs another excellent and varied blog, with lots of real-life insight, plus some really positive pieces on the search for a cure and much more (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog). Let’s Talk About Dementia is a long-running blog run by Alzheimer’s Scotland and is another big resource of stories about dementia from many angles (https://letstalkaboutdementia.wordpress.com/)
2/ Coping Strategies
These include good sleep patterns, lots of daylight, exercise in the daytime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the latter half of the day, a good sleeping environment at bedtime - all underpinned by a solid routine. Good nutrition and drinking habits, again with an emphasis on routine and quality. Support and understanding from carers: carers should be well-versed in the principles of supporting a person with dementia – simple things like being reassuring and understanding if anxiety is a problem; not challenging repetitious behaviour or questioning, but instead gently discussing issues and trying to identify underlying themes or anxieties, which can be softened with reassurance.
3/ Spend time with people whom you love
A very reassuring thing to do is to spend time with friends, family and people you love. Quiet, calming and familiar environments - think about favourite chairs in familiar rooms – add to the general sense of reassurance and familiarity, which can be very comforting.
4/ Not stopping the things that really matter to you
Continuing to do your favourite activities and the hobbies you love is a great way to both calm and reassure and individual. Listen to favourite music and dancing to familiar tunes can work very well. Don’t dismiss the idea of developing new interests or trying activities which appeal but which you’ve never previously got round to. Again, being absorbed and involved is a good place to be.
5/ Support or take part in research into dementia
One of the best ways of coping with the negativity of a dementia diagnosis is to take positive action and by participating in research about the condition,. There are opportunities to do this online through the Alzheimer’s Society website, where there’s a page (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/take-part-dementia-research) dedicated to the subject.
Bluebird Care South Leeds
We provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and a range of other support in the South Leeds area, including the following:
- South Central Leeds & City Centre
- Middleton
- Garforth
- Farnley
- Wortley
- Armley
- Holton
- Barwick
- Swarcliffe
- Colton
- Morley
- Pudsey
- Batley
- Ossett
