Health professionals repeatedly advise us to ensure the routines and environments of people diagnosed with dementia remain familiar and consistent.
It will be the No.1 cause of death of people over 65 within a generation. It is not a natural consequence of ageing (3).
Jasmine
Iris Appleyard, 1995
People with dementia can become upset and confused if they find themselves in a strange situation or in an unfamiliar environment where they feel confused and unable to cope. This is because people with dementia experience problems with new learning, memory and perception.
And yet in most cases the maximum period provided under government funding (to Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd) in order to care for a person with dementia in their own home is 6 hours per week – barely enough to give that person a shower every day and tend to their personal needs.
So what do you do if a family member or loved one is diagnosed with dementia?
If you are lucky enough to be able to afford approximately $50 per hour to receive the care that is needed for a person with dementia in their own home then you are in the minority.
Your donation to the Iris Appleyard Foundation is used by Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd to provide a professional carer into the homes of people living with dementia This essential service gives family carers a much-needed break from their demanding caring role while the person with dementia is able to benefit from additional companionship and support.
If you are in a position to be able to put your career, your family and any other commitments that you have “on hold” in order to take on the role yourself then you are both fortunate and brave.
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Iris Appleyard, 1974
Caring for someone with dementia is demanding and difficult. As Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia increasingly affect brain function there are strenuous demands on carers. For the first three to four years, there are mild symptoms of memory loss and disorientation requiring some assistance and surveillance (4).
As brain damage increases, people experience more difficulties with everyday tasks and assistance with daily living is increasingly required (5).
Most families are simply not in the position to leave their jobs or other commitments to become full time carers to a loved one with dementia and most families simply cannot afford to pay about $50 per hour that is needed for home care. REFERENCES USED - (3) “remember me … when I can’t remember you”, Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd. (4) “remember me … when I can’t remember you”, Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd. (5) “remember me … when I can’t remember you”, Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd.
>> Remember, every donation over $2 is fully tax deductible!
