Featured In: The Coalville Times, Friday, 3rd March 2023

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR Hanna Robbins

Dementia

THIS week, we hear a patient story.

Barry has been caring for his wife Betty since the first signs of dementia were noticed in 2010. Every person with dementia has dif- ferent needs, and we can only meet those needs if we see them as the unique individual that they are. Here are some of Barry’s insights.

‘Betty is sometimes unsettled at night, but not for long. A calming drug was sug- gested, but I would rather sit with her while she is rest- less. Then she is not groggy during the day from drugs that were given at night.’

‘Betty has arthritis and sometimes this causes pain. So giving her a seda- tive is not the answer, if the reason she is restless is because her knees are hurting – she needs a painkiller.’ ‘Betty has good control of her bodily functions, except when the gap between carers vis- its is too long. If we talk about this so the carers come at times that put Betty first, we protect her dignity.’

‘Betty is better with one to one care, so I have asked the carers, who arrive in pairs, to take it in turns so she doesn’t feel over-fussed. This means she is less likely to lash out.’

‘Betty understands more than you might think. Just because Betty cannot tell you what she prefers, it’s not right for carers and the like, to just plough ahead and decide what is good for her. She needs to be treated as the person she is with views and feelings.’

‘Betty likes to have a settled daily routine – don’t we all! When we can have the same car- ers coming at the same time, Betty knows what to expect and we are both happier.’ ‘A lot of the useful information about help and care sources came from the Marlene Reid Centre, and the charities that hold meetings there.’ ‘As a carer, it is important to be dedicated and organised, and give medication and meals at the correct times. It is worth keeping a food diary of likes and dislikes and the effect on mood, for example, coffee affected Betty’s be- haviour, so we avoid this.’

‘It is essential for carers to have support, time to recharge their batteries and time for their own hobbies and interests. Betty goes to Day centre four mornings per week and has a support worker six days per week.’

A big thank you to Barry for sharing his personal journey.