Caring for someone with dementia

Professional Carer, Kelly, has been kind enough to share some thoughts on working with dementia, and some stories from her placement with Mrs L.

“I have been at my placement with Mrs L for around a year now. I originally came to this placement to look after Mr & Mrs L but sadly we lost Mr L earlier this year.

There have been a few challenges along the way, which occur when working with someone who is living with dementia. I find, though, that when spending as much one to one time with your client as I do, it really is a great way to get to know them, their history, what they enjoy and what amazing stories they have to tell. This will always help you to understand them a little better and can help in situations that may occur, like changes in mood or episodes of confusion.

Mrs L has now started going out more, and enjoying herself when she does. Mrs L used to be a little reluctant to do this and can be a little shy, but more and more now she wants to go out! Mrs L has a great family around her and both of us carers at placement simply speak with Mrs L about how important it is to keep active, both mentally and physically. Mrs L’s family have also noticed the difference in her general cognition, mood and behaviour after outings – it is lovely to hear that they also observe the benefits!

Whilst in Pevensey recently, we went to a small zoo, with various animals from monkeys to Meerkats. We had so much fun and absolutely loved it! Watching the animals together, and seeing how much joy this brought to Mrs L was really great to see. We took a little train around which was only a 5 minute journey (photo below). Sherry was with us and we really did have a great day.

In my experience, working in different placements over my (almost) four years with The Good Care Group (TGCG), the difference that going out can have on an individual with dementia (and even those without) is amazing! An outing can very noticeably affect mood and behaviour, and to see your client smile really is a lovely moment to share and see. People can become much more interactive with conversation and where they usually may forget things, these kinds of memories sometimes can remain with them, in my experience.

Individuals who are mostly just at home can become socially isolated and more reluctant to go out. I do know and understand that going out is not for everyone, but in my experience with the clients I have cared for, I notice the difference that keeping our clients active has, especially on their mobility and mood. This has also increased my confidence in taking my clients out and seeing the difference it makes to them.

TGCG has always been on the end of the phone for me over the years with any issues I have had. Any problems I have had are always dealt with by resolving them or giving me reassurance which is one of the many reasons I enjoy working for this company and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future”.

Thank you for sharing, Kelly, and for all the hard work you’ve been doing with Mrs L!