For the past 4 years when my mum was diagnosed with early dementia (in 2017), a village of healthcare professionals, carers at the dementia day care, family members have rounded to provide care for her. I became the main caregiver.
I wanted to start a blog writing about my journey as a caregiver. I also wanted to post some pictures of her in this blog, remembering her and penning down my journey with her.
The above diagram showed my caregiving journey since 2017. Early interventions through dementia day care, rehabilitation activities have allowed her to be fall free for the past one and half years and for her dementia to remain in the mild to moderate stage.
Tips to slow down dementia and to continue to experience a relatively good quality of life for the person living with dementia
Early diagnosis of dementia
implement early interventions whether it be cognitive (using engaging games/singing/sewing), social (involve her in day care or social groups) , physical (rehabilitation) to slow down decline
Have a committed caregiver or a family of caregivers to support this person living with dementia
One of the joy of caregiving is to see her able to continue to perform her activities of daily living (ADL) under supervision, for example, able to walk to her favourite food shop to eat her breakfast without losing her way. She is still able to toilet, eat and bathe without assistance.
Indeed, I hope to be a thriving caregiver rather than a caregiver who sees this journey as a burden. To cherish this journey with her. To allow her to live her days with dignity and love. May you be encouraged to be a thriving caregiver too.
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