Dementia & CallAssist

Last Updated: Jan 06, 2022

Dementia is a vast subject. It isn't something that we can cover in one article. Nor should we pertain to be experts in any way as there are others more qualified. However, sometimes we can feel that there's not enough information out there when someone we know is first diagnosed with a condition. At the beginning we want them to be ok. We want them to be the same person they've always been. This is not necessarily possible but we can do everything we are able to educate ourselves and make them feel safe and cared for; to help with the first transitions of their condition and maintain independence for as long as possible.

What we'd like to do here is show some basic information and some important links to more comprehensive resources. We'd also like to share how important our CallAssist services are for supporting and helping those living with dementia.

To begin with lets have a look at those links:

Important help from the Alzheimer's Society

Dementia Connect Support Line - 0333 150 3456

Alzheimer's Website - alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Services in your area - alzheimers.org.uk | dementia directory
Other helpful publications - alzheimers.org.uk | support | publications

Though there are numerous sites devoted to understanding and supporting those with dementia, the Alzheimer's Society is one of the best places to find information. Their many documents and website pages will tell you pretty much everything you need to know as well as offering support to those living with dementia, whether for the person themselves or their carer/s. As you read through this article remember that you have these resources and our services to turn to.

So what is dementia?

'The word ‘dementia’ describes a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language, and often changes in mood, perception or behaviour. These changes are usually small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become bad enough to affect daily life. Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing. It occurs when the brain is affected by a disease. There are many different diseases that cause dementia. The most common causes of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and the diseases that cause vascular dementia.'[1]

Who can get dementia?

'The risk of developing dementia increases with age, and one in six people over 80 are living with the condition.'[1]
It's in-discriminatory, effecting some younger people too, those with special needs and more.

The early stages of dementia

'When someone is in the early stages of dementia, their symptoms might be put down to other causes such as
stress or depression or generally getting older. The onset of dementia is often very gradual and it is usually impossible to identify exactly when it starts.'[1]

The middle stages of dementia

'In the middle stages, the person’s problems will have a bigger impact on their daily life. They may be very forgetful of recent events (but still remember things from long ago, even if they confuse some details), do things that may be unsafe (due to confusion or memory loss), be confused about the time and place, and amongst other things become angry, upset or distressed very quickly.'[1]

If we can work with someone in these earlier stages we can really make a difference to their wellbeing and independence.

How can we help support those with dementia and what is CallAssist?

CallAssist is a simple yet incredible tool for supporting and giving independence to those living with dementia.

It is incredibly important that those with dementia stay active and healthy. Activities like Tai Chi, walking, dancing board games, stretching, connecting with others (socially or through talking) even everyday tasks, help to maintain a healthy body, boost self-esteem, improve cognition and help keep some memory and skills; sleep is improved and depression can be reduced or avoided.

However carers, whether family or professional, can't always be present to help or supervise. Not only that, but those living with dementia want to keep their independence for as long as possible and don't want to be a burden. Independence allows us to lighten the load on others while retaining self worth and dignity for ourselves. Carers and family don’t have to take the pressure and we can live freely with choices that we make. Allowing us to keep doing the things we need to do in order to live life to the fullest.

So this is where CallAssist comes in

Automated messages or live phone calls give reminders at just the right time, to support and help the person living with dementia keep up on their daily tasks and activities. Amongst other things the calls can make sure they are taking their medication or performing self-care; they can also remind them to turn the cooker off for example, or a variety of other prompts that keep them safe in the home. The emotion and stress of dealing with a person living with dementia can be lifted from carers and family.

We've designed CallAssist to be a cost effective way to help maintain independence, support safety in the home, reduce burden on others and help keep you self-sufficient for longer. That extra bit of care when we don't need to be under permanent support supervision or in a care facility.