Dementia daycare in Burnley – you’re not alone in caring for your loved one
If you have ever felt alone in your caring experience, please remember – there are currently 700,000 people caring for a loved one with dementia in the UK – and there is lots of help and support available.
Whether it’s dementia daycare (enabling you to concentrate on work or letting you claim some time back for yourself) or chatting to a forum of other carers who share your experiences, you should strive not to become isolated or overwhelmed by the responsibility.
Many carers report that they don’t eat healthily, exercise or take time for themselves, but it’s crucial to remember, as the saying goes: “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
We spoke to Karen about her role as a carer.
In this video, she gives us a candid account of her experience caring for her Dad, discussing how his condition developed and how their relationship adapted.
Karen describes ‘Carers Link’ as “very very helpful” and cites them as the people she turned to first if she had a problem to resolve.
You can find them at: carerslinklancashire.co.uk
Contact details of more organisations that can help you and your loved one with practical and emotional support, can be found on this Alzheimer’s Research UK page.
In addition, their FAQs page answers a number of common questions about dementia, memory, risk factors and treatments.
According to Alzheimers Research UK, one in three people born today will develop dementia.
Dementia UK tells us there are currently an estimated 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and this is set to rise to over one million by 2021.
And yet public understanding is still relatively low when it comes to dementia and the day-to-day challenges that come alongside, despite it being so prevalent.
Dementia is the umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by different diseases (most commonly Alzheimer’s) and in some cases a combination of more than one condition.
The symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and changes in personality; an emotionally charged range of challenges for carers, usually family members, to deal with.
Dementia facts
• Dementia is not something that just happens to everyone as they get older. It is caused by different illnesses.
• 52% of the UK public – 34.5 million people – know someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia.
• 36% of carers spend more than 100 hours per week caring for a person with dementia.
• The economic impact of dementia nationwide is greater than cancer and heart disease combined.
Find more dementia statistics here, including a look at the impact on carers in the UK.
NHS Lothian recently shared this thought-provoking piece (author unknown)
When I wander don’t tell me to come and sit down. Wander with me. It may be because I am hungry, thirsty, need the toilet. Or maybe I just need to stretch my legs. When I call for my mother (even though I’m ninety!) don’t tell me she has died. Reassure me, cuddle me, ask me about her. It may be that I am looking for the security that my mother once gave me. When I shout out please don’t ask me to be quiet…or walk by. I am trying to tell you something, but have difficulty in telling you what. Be patient. Try to find out. I may be in pain. When I become agitated or appear angry, please don’t reach for the drugs first. I am trying to tell you something. It may be too hot, too bright, too noisy. Or maybe it’s because I miss my loved ones. Try to find out first. When I don’t eat my dinner or drink my tea it may be because I’ve forgotten how to. Show me what to do, remind me. It may be that I just need to hold my knife and fork I may know what to do then. When I push you away while you’re trying to help me wash or get dressed, maybe it’s because I have forgotten what you have said. Keep telling me what you are doing over and over and over. Maybe others will think you’re the one that needs the help! With all my thoughts and maybes, perhaps it will be you who reaches my thoughts, understands my fears, and will make me feel safe. Maybe it will be you who I need to thank. If only I knew how.
| Taking part in positive fundraising can be a cathartic exercise and make a valuable difference to the research surrounding dementia. |
Dementia daycare offers a worry-free temporary break from caring, with the peace of mind that your loved one is being capably cared for while you go to work, take time for yourself, spend time with other friends and family members or run errands etc.
Charter House has all the facilities to ensure your loved one is looked after, occupied and entertained during the time they spend with us.
Charter House Resource Centre & Sensory Room in Burnley –
Quiet lounge area.
We have a quiet lounge area and regular guided (or independent) activities such as baking, crafting, gardening and tending to our new chickens.
Our staff are friendly, welcoming and patient, not to mention extremely experienced in caring for people with a host of differing needs. The specialist facilities in our new building have also been designed with our service users in mind – including the spacious bathing and changing facilities.
Along with ‘day to day’ dementia daycare, there is also the option to spend time in our state-of-the-art sensory room.
Dr. Anke Jakob, from London’s Kingston University and co-producer of the publication “How to Make a Sensory Room for People Living with Dementia,” says that sensory rooms: “can enhance feelings of comfort and well-being, relieve stress and pain and maximize a person’s potential to focus, all of which help improve communication and memory.”
Why not come for an informal look around and learn more about the dementia daycare facilities available?
To arrange visit or trial session contact Jason or Mark on 01282 429094 or info@charterhouseburnley.co.uk