Respite - progressive/therapeutic for early onset dementia

[rachococo]

Hello, I was wondering if I could get some advice. My father has early onset dementia and my mum is finding it very difficult to cope. I don't feel like either are getting any therapeutic or emotional input which they both need to manage the situation. Respite has been suggested but I am keen for this to be therapeutic, active and beneficial for him and my mum. The doctor suggests a care home and the one he suggested has an older population. My Dad is still very active and we are keen to continue activities he can pursue. I don't feel there is anyone managing their situation and the doctors and nurses have a very medicalised approach. I feel they need psychological/therapeutic input to look at their situation holistically and explore progressive options for strategies and care.

My parents are base in Somerset and I am in Manchester so although I talk to them daily I don't get to support them in person on a daily basis.

Any help, suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[Cat27]

Welcome to TP

Your mum would get a lot if support if she joined here.

 

[Beate]

Has your dad had a needs assessment and your Mum a carers assessment? Would he go to a day centre? That could provide him with a lot of stimulation and activities whilst giving your Mum a break. Care Homes that provide respite also provide day-time activities, though as with day centres, they probably vary according to their clientele. They could also apply for sitting/befriending service via Age UK or other organisations. Sitters can visit at home and play games or do other activities, or they can take the person out for a walk or a visit to a museum/cafe etc. My OH profits a lot from his day centre and sitter visits.

With regards to "psychological", "therapeutic" and "holistic", you might be expecting a little too much from Social Services and might just earn startled looks. If you are referring to counselling, in my London borough it exists for carers but I am not aware that it would exist for people with dementia. Quite frankly, a lot of them deny that there is anything wrong with them in the first place! However, there are lots of activities out there to do with music and arts and crafts that can be accessed via the local Alzheimer's Society, for example their hugely popular Singing for the Brain sessions. Give them a call and find out what's available. They also organise a lot of carer get-togethers which might be beneficial for your Mum.

 

[Libby10]

Care homes in Surrey

Good evening
can anyone help. A close relative has early onset Alzheimer's and is currently in respite care and waiting for a social services assessment. it is very clear he has deteriorated
And can not return home. Are there care homes in Surrey that cater for younger Alzheimer patients. he is physically fit and currently pacing and anxious. Any advise would be appreciated

 

[Cat27]

Welcome to TP Libby

Social services should be able to advise you. Maybe start visiting homes to get a feel for them & what they offer.

 

[BusyBee]

Young Onset dementias - ideas

Hello,
I don't post often but was prompted today by the survey I received.
My husband has advanced logopenic aphasia and the only professional practical input we had locally up to this year (since 2008) was from a very good Speech and Language therapist and an organisation called Turning Point who provide Young Onset Dementia support in Hertfordshire.
This year following a lot of complaints we were referred to specialist occupational therapists. Amazing - if they understand why don't the others?
With regard to respite - we are trying to organise this at home and you are entitled to have this if it is your family's choice.
Day centres are tricky as they frequently just mind people rather than providing appropriate levels of stimulation. We were lucky as the nurse practitioner at UCLH referred us to The Templeton Centre back in 2010. I was trying to carry on working and could not find anything appropriate nearby - It is run by the Alzheimer's Society and the centre has coped really well with my husband's deteriorating condition.
It is so much better to find out the underlying dementia so you can work with the best activities.
Take it all slowly and feel pleased with each calm, happy hour you create. However tough smiling is crucial...