Dementia is experienced when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions. Your loved one may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia, including Pick’s disease – all these are common types of dementia.
How someone reacts to dementia will depend on the disease that’s causing it and the part of the brain that’s damaged. Signs of dementia may include memory loss, confusion, problems with speech and difficulty understanding. You may also notice a change in your loved one’s personality or behaviour – perhaps they get upset easily, are withdrawn, anxious, sad or irritable.
Dementia is progressive, which means the brain will become increasingly damaged and the symptoms will worsen. At present, there’s no cure.
When someone in your family is diagnosed with dementia it can be incredibly stressful and worrying. You may be able to arrange support that enables them to remain in their own home – but if a care home is the best option you may find that you need to make a decision very quickly about where they should go.
One of the biggest worries is how you will pay for a care home. Depending on personal financial circumstances, fees are either paid by you or your family privately, by benefits or by direct payments from social services – or as a mixture of all or some of these.
Choosing a care home can be a daunting prospect. We understand that you have lots of concerns and questions. You need someone to explain all your options and to talk you through the practical and financial implications.
Our experienced management team can offer you expert advice on fee payments, funding and what to expect from a care home.
As dementia specialists we know what you’re going through. We’re here to reassure you, guide you and to help you make sense of things at this difficult time.
To talk to us or to arrange a visit, please contact us on 01234 333870 or drop us a line