Living Well & Living Alone with Dementia Cheryl Demasi Client Support Coordinator

Facts about Dementia Currently, more than 20,000 Manitobans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. 1 in 3 Manitobans have a family member or close personal friend living with dementia.

A Balancing Act! When Living Well & Living Alone with Dementia there is always the challenge of balancing independence & safety. Today we will be exploring the roles of Technology, Community and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Technology Technology is one way of finding the balance between independence & safety however it’s important to keep in mind both the benefits and limitations. Today we will touch on the different types of technology that are available to people with dementia and their families.

When considering technology in regards to safety…….. Think prevention Adapt the environment Minimize the risk

Think….Prevention Think ahead Identify potential safety risks Have a plan in place What may not be a problem today could be tomorrow and you want to be prepared!

Adapt the Environment…… It is more effective to change the environment than to change the behaviour By changing the environment you are able to mitigate both safety concerns and stressors

Minimize the risk…… By minimizing the risk, you can maximize independence. A safe environment can be a less restrictive environment where the person with dementia can experience both increased security and mobility.

Some Technology Options Cell Phones Tablets/Computers Monitoring Devices/GPS Small appliances with automatic shut off switches Personal Emergency Response Alarms like Lifeline Clocks with the day, date and year

Other Technology Options Key Finder Alarm Clocks with Reminders Door Alarms Products for the visually impaired Stove Sensor Safety Iron Phone with Pictures of Family/Friends Simple Television Remote

Community I often hear a similar message from people with dementia, caregivers and the general public. They all agree that there needs to be more about awareness about dementia. Both the community and the person with dementia can each have a role when it comes to awareness and helping people with dementia live well.

Ideas for the Person with Dementia Learn as much as you feel you can. If comfortable, share your diagnosis to help spread awareness and understanding. Verbally ask for help if you need it or show a card that says “Please be patient, I have dementia” Wear a Medic Alert® Safely Home® bracelet Participate in awareness events like the annual Alzheimer Society Memory Walk Live each day and choose a healthy lifestyle

Ideas for the Community As more and more people are being affected by dementia, chances are you will know someone who is living with the disease. You can help by learning more about dementia and by spreading the awareness to others. By supporting the person with dementia and their caregiver this will encourage them both to live well.

Community – Ways to Help: Visiting a Person with Dementia Arrange a convenient time for your visit Introduce yourself Remember and laugh together Be prepared to listen Establish connection through a common interest Show that you care Communication is the key

Tips on Communication Use Focused Communication when speaking with someone with dementia: F- Face the person. O- Orient the person to the topic. C - Continue the same topic. U- Unstick by suggesting a word. S- Structure questions so choice can be recognized. E- Exchange ideas in daily conversation. D- Direct, short, simple sentences. - D. Ripich, San Antonio, TX, 1996

Community – Ways to Help: Caring for the Caregiver Take time to listen Do little things – they mean a lot Give the caregiver a break Provide a change of scenery Keep in touch Become informed Stay the course

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Programs & Services Supportive Counselling Support Groups for People with Dementia Support Groups for Caregivers MedicAlert® Safely Home® Family Education Professional Education Public Awareness

Questions?