Dementia is a group of symptoms that relate to an ongoing decline in brain function. The NHS reports that dementia affects around 850,000 people in the UK, with 1 in 14 people over 65, and 1 in 6 over the age of 80 affected. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia and is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.

While memory loss is one of the most common indicators and symptoms of both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease specifically, it is not the only symptom. Dementia can affect behaviour, speech, emotions and feelings and thought processes.

Symptoms of dementia can include problems with:

• Memory loss.
• Thinking speed.
• Mental sharpness and quickness.
• Language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking.
• Understanding.
• Judgement.
• Mood.
• Movement.
• Difficulties doing daily activities.

(Source: NHS, for more information please visit the NHS Dementia page.)

Radfield offers specialist support for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

At Radfield Home Care we have an in-depth of knowledge around Alzheimer’s and dementia care that stretches back to when founders Alex and Hannah lived alongside the residents in the care home they grew up in, many of whom had to live with different types and varying degrees of severity of dementia. Hannah has also worked as a doctor alongside consultant geriatricians and in specific dementia care facilities.

Our understanding and knowledge around the challenges for people living with dementia themselves, and also for those caring for family members with dementia, is why we place huge importance in how we deliver this specialist support.

Our specialist dementia support

The first thing we do is work with you to build a person-centred care plan. This ensures we learn all about the individual, what’s important to them, how they like to live their life and their care needs.

In doing so we always:

• Keep our clients and their families at the heart of the care we provide.
• Take time to learn about the client and their story.
• Ensure that we provide care with the utmost dignity and respect.
• Support clients with their emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing.
• Take time to understand usual routines and build these into the care we provide.
• Support with maintaining social connections and relationships.

Our Care Professionals are trained in specialist dementia and Alzheimer’s care

Radfield Care Professionals all receive specific training in how to provide care to those living with different types of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

This means our Care Professionals will:

• Support the client to make decisions themselves.
• Ensure the client is kept safe.
• Alleviate pressure for caring relatives.
• Help to support a safe, clean home environment.
• Provide nutritious meals, and support hydration.
• Assist with personal care and medication.
• Build positive relationships with the client and their families.
• Engage the client in activities that they enjoy.
• Use reminiscence techniques where appropriate.
• Encouragement to engage in social events and remain a part of their community.

We understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We also know how to support individuals and their families in managing and maintaining relationships and getting the most possible out of day-to-day life.