Living with Dementia

  • STAY ACTIVE: 30minutes moderate activity daily
  • SOCIALISE: Keep in touch with family, friends, Clubs, Hobbies
  • BRAIN EXERCISE: Do what you always do-crosswords etc.
  • BUILD ROUTINE: Establish daily routine with usual habits gives a structure to the day
  • EAT HEALTHY: Eat a balanced diet regularly
  • TECHOLOGY: If interested in TV, I. Pad etc.

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF:

  • If you cannot cope then it is difficult to look after your loved one.
  • It is not selfish to take time out, it will help you to cope and feel better.
  • Learn to acknowledge how you are feeling and how dementia is affecting your life and relationships.
  • Talk to your trusted relative or friend. Keep a journal.
  • Include your needs in your daily and weekly routine.
  • Do not be hard on yourself and keep up your social contacts and hobbies.
  • Keep in touch with your family and friends and do not be afraid to ask for help and tell them about things that are difficult and going well.
  • Focus on the thing yourself and loved one can still do.
  • Join a Support Group so you can meet other people going the same road as yourself.
  • Call the national Helpline if you are in difficulty and cannot resource information or help locally.
  • Stop saying I can manage and start saying I need help.
  • Find out about Services & Support in your area.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH:

  • Take regular exercise
  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • See your GP regularly, particularly if you are feeling low, stressed, and anxious or are not sleeping.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY HELPLINE NUMBER: 1 800 341 341