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
