Addressing challenges
Younger onset dementia affects people in different ways and progresses at different rates. It can affect daily routines and activities before, during and after diagnosis.
As a carer, there are many ways you can help someone living with dementia overcome new challenges.
For example, you could help them maintain a simple and regular routine or identify any triggers, then find ways to avoid or minimise them.
You can also work with the person with younger onset dementia to ask them what works best for them.
Driving
Dementia can affect a person’s driving ability. If you have a friend or family member diagnosed with dementia, ensure they report their diagnosis to relevant local licensing authorities, as well as their insurance company.
Some people may continue driving subject to a medical assessment; others may need to stop driving sooner. In this case, you can support them by offering to drive for them, or talking them through alternate transport options.
Visit Dementia Australia’s web page on driving with dementia.
Safety
When caring for someone with dementia, think about safety both inside and away from the home. Review indoor and outdoor areas and see what you can do to make surrounding areas better suited to people living with dementia. A safe and familiar home environment can help them reduce unnecessary confusion or disorientation.
Revise the home and look out for any potential safety hazards. Small modifications around the home can also be great to help people with dementia live more independently.
It’s also good to advise them to carry ID with them at all times. Establishing walking routes and regular places to visit can reduce the chances of them getting lost, too.
Wandering
If you care for someone with younger onset dementia, it can be alarming if they begin to wander. For people with dementia, wandering is quite common. As their memory declines, they may not be able to explain why they’ve wandered.
It can help to understand the reasons why they may be doing this, and if you need to take any precautions.
Safe walking
Walking brings people with dementia a lot of great benefits. But it also comes with some risks. To help them walk safely, there are a few steps you can take. For example, you can take note of their favourite routes, make use of locator technology, and be prepared to alert the authorities quickly if needed.
Health
You can help a person living with dementia establish routines that support their overall health. These include healthy eating, physical activity and social connection.
As a carer, you can help them manage fatigue, pain, good nutrition and a number of other lifestyle adjustments to help them live the best quality of life.
