Caring for someone who has dementia can be extremely challenging. An estimated 47 million people around the world are affected by dementia, which is generally defined as a deterioration of cognitive ability. It can be manifested in a variety of ways, and will have long-term impacts on a person’s quality of life (as well as their family’s). One of the most common dementias is Alzheimer’s disease, which you can learn more about here. As the Baby Boomers continue to age, we can expect to see more and more cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s. These diseases are unique in that they impact primary caretakers and family members almost as much as the patient themselves; it is incredibly difficult to watch a loved one slowly lose mental faculty. While there is not a cure for these progressive diseases, there are ways to mitigate their effects and enhance quality of life for those living with dementia. Let’s take a look!
Borrow concepts from communities made specifically for those with dementia
Did you know that there are communities in the Netherlands built specifically for seniors with dementia? It’s a fascinating concept, and not unlike the Jim Carrey movie “The Truman Show.”