Four Key Advantages of Dementia Care Homes

Dementia is a growing problem, with almost 950,000 people suffering from it in the UK alone. By the year 2030, it has been estimated that the number of sufferers will be well past the one million mark.

Here we look at the medical definition of the word, and why it is important that those who have the condition are looked after in specialised units which Baxendale – who provide high-quality dementia care home facilities in Whetstone – offer.

What is Dementia?

The NHS defines dementia as “a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.” These symptoms tend to increase the older you get; and, as the UK has an aging population, this is the principal reason why the number of sufferers is increasing.

There are many different types of dementia, which all present with slightly different symptoms. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that manifests itself in a number of ways, including forgetfulness, problems with basic tasks, difficulty planning or making decisions, and issues with speech.

Vascular dementia, on the other hand, is caused by problems with the blood flow to the brain. The symptoms are similar to that of Alzheimer’s but can also include mood swings, problems with concentration, and difficulty walking or keeping your balance. These two specific types make up the majority of cases in the UK.

If someone is suffering from any form of dementia, it is liable to get worse over time. As this can put a lot of strain on families and friends it may be best if they can be looked after in a specialist facility. The principal advantages of doing so are listed below.

The Care and Support

In a dementia care home people receive professional care and support around the clock which friends or family may not be qualified to provide. There’s also the time factor; carers have lives of their own and cannot always keep an eye on their loved one all the time.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, its progress can be slowed down or inhibited with various courses of drugs. Staff at dementia care homes will be able to help with this. They will also be able to cope with any special diets which are required, along with any other medical conditions (which may or may not be related to the dementia). At Baxendale can register you with a local GP as well.

The Constant Monitoring

Experienced staff will know how far the dementia has advanced and how to treat someone at different stages of the condition. This means you won’t have to worry about anyone going temporarily missing or wandering off somewhere. This is one of the most common problems associated with dementia as the sufferer may be comfortable in their own surroundings, but confused and vulnerable when outside. Also, dementia care homes are usually very secure as well, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

The Additional Activities

Dementia sufferers need stimulation just like everyone else. The NHS says loneliness and isolation are as big a risk to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Dementia care homes often have a programme of social activities that keep their residents stimulated both mentally and physically.

Your Own Health and State of Mind

Even though you may not like the idea of your loved one going into a care home, it should be better for them and for you. There won’t be any rotas to juggle if you share the caring responsibilities with someone else, no holidays to cover, or no visiting carer to employ, and the many other decisions you have to take on a day-to-day basis.

Placing your loved one in a specialist facility will allow you to get back to enjoying your own life, while the dementia sufferer may be able to develop their own interests and friendships in their new surroundings. And you should be able to visit them and take an active part in their care.

Baxendale – A Dementia Care Home in Whetstone

At Baxendale, we have a specialist dementia unit, including private areas and lounges. All our dementia residents also have their own private rooms.

There are plenty of group activities and lots of one-to-one care. We also have a special sensory room which is available to all our residents – as a versatile residential care home in North London, we also offer respite- and short-term care, and can cater for people with a wide variety of conditions. However, the room is particularly useful for providing stimulation for dementia sufferers. It has interactive lights and other projections, as well as soothing music.

If you would like to know more about our dementia care facilities follow this link and fill in the online contact form. You can also call us directly on 020 8445 1127.