Ten practical ways to help people with dementia
The Royal Voluntary Service describes ten practical ways to help people with dementia. Check out their website [external link].
1. Treat the person with respect and dignity - people with dementia often feel very vulnerable so it is important to help them feel confident and valued. Encourage them to achieve small things for themselves.
2. Be a good listener - it can really help to talk things through, even if this is just a short weekly phone call.
3. Be a good communicator - speak calmly and wait for signs that the person has understood what you have said. Look the person in the eye and use physical contact to offer reassurance.
4. Remember that the little things can mean a lot. Dropping in for a cup of tea or helping to organise a photo album can help to show a person living with dementia that you care.
5. Stay in touch - hearing from someone briefly and frequently is better than receiving a long letter twice a year. Try to keep in touch as the person’s dementia progresses over time.
6. Offer practical help - two thirds of people with dementia live at home. Offering practical support with things like cutting the grass, putting the rubbish out or running an errand will make a big difference.
7. Organise a treat - think about what the person liked to do before their illness and try to adapt an activity to their current situation. You could go for a picnic in the park or watch an old film.
8. Help different family members in different ways - some family members may dedicate a lot of time to caring responsibilities so offering them support is important too.
9. Find out more about dementia - the more you know about dementia, the more confident you will feel spending time with the person with dementia and their loved ones. Visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website on alzheimers.org.uk [external link] or call the Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 (Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm). The National Dementia Helpline provides information, advice, and support through listening, guidance and appropriate signposting to anyone affected by dementia.
10. Talk to the Royal Voluntary Service about services in your area - whether reducing isolation through a regular visit from a local Royal Voluntary Service volunteer or practical help like providing a lift to the doctor or meeting up with friends, the help Royal Voluntary Service offers is tailor made to what the older person needs.
If you are concerned about dementia contact the National Dementia Helpline for information, support and guidance on 0300 222 1122
People affected by dementia can also join the Talking Point discussion forums at forum.alzheimers.org.uk/forum [external link]
For any enquiries about Dementia Friends go to dementiafriends.org.uk