Caring for the Older Persons Living with Dementia

ISBN 978-93-90768-88-2 (Print)
ISBN 978-93-90768-94-3 (eBook)
DOI: 10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-90768-88-2

Dementia is a group of neurodegenerative diseases with a whole host of symptoms, eventually leaving the individual dependent on their caregiver. During the course of the disease process, there is generalized failure of the brain with declining cognition and emergence of behavioural symptoms. The caregivers for people with dementia are at high risk of burn out due to the challenges faced on a day to day basis. The care needs are high, due to the declining cognition. The behavioural symptoms cause much distress to the caregivers as the symptoms are unpredictable and there are no recommended strategies to manage these symptoms. Medications often contribute minimally to the care of persons with dementia. The caregivers of persons with dementia experience frequent physical and emotional stress, with a high risk of burnout compared to the caregivers for persons without dementia. In certain communities, social services and community resources are often limited.

The book provides information to the caregivers for people with dementia, either at the home setting or at institutional setting. The chapters begin with a case history and go on to describe the commonly encountered problems. With the knowledge gained, the caregivers are more empowered to care for the people with dementia with patience and love.

Content

Caring for the Older Persons Living with Dementia

Si Ching Lim

Caring for the Older Persons Living with Dementia, 18 February 2021, Page 1-131
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-90768-88-2

The journey with dementia is a long one, often frought with uncertainties, sadness, grief, despair and sometimes, joy and happiness for most persons with dementia and their caregivers. There is currently no cure for this terrible disease. Dementia robs the persons of their identity and dignity, leaving them like an empty shell towards the end of this long and arduous journey. As a healthcare professional, there is much we can do to improve the quality of lives of our persons living with dementia and their caregivers. The caregivers are our precious partners in this journey and as healthcare professionals, taking care of the caregivers should be a priority.