Seeking palliative care for Dementia? Tulasi Healthcare is your answer.
The dawn of time takes a toll on our bodies, and it brings a myriad of issues along with it. Dementia is one such condition. With sudden cognitive decline and memory disruptions due to damage to brain structure, it is a serious mental health condition. Some of the world’s population falls prey to this condition, and the treatment options are still a far cry. With recent advancements in the field, better management strategies and palliative care measures have been made. Through Tulasi’s palliative care for dementia, you receive the best of medical fraternity’s approved methods.
At Tulasi Healthcare, our palliative care strategies shine through with a dedicated staff and team. Since many of our audience is still looking and acquiring knowledge about palliative care and intricacies for dementia, let’s discuss the basics first.
What is Palliative care?
Palliative care is a curated medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and suffering related to serious illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is not exactly a treatment plan, rather it enhances the quality of life by managing pain and other distressing symptoms. The goal is not to provide a cure by any means, but to ensure that individuals can live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible in the time they have.
It is quite holistic in nature, catering not only to physical symptoms but also to emotional, social, and spiritual needs. With a team of healthcare professionals that includes psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and chaplains we work together to create a care plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Why is Palliative care in Dementia important?
Dementia brings an umbrella of issues with it, most which are beyond management for an untrained eye. As the condition progresses, it causes the memory to decline, thinking unclear and communication abrupt. The ability to perform everyday tasks is frozen. Over time, physical health problems also show up, such as difficulty swallowing, incontinence, and reduced mobility.
This is where palliative care in dementia steps in. How does it help the clients? Let’s take a keen look.
- Managing symptoms- Clients often experience pain, agitation, confusion and motor issues. Aggression and sleep disturbances are quite common, leading to a dire state. Palliative care allows addressing these issues and providing medications or therapies that can improve condition and provide comfort.
- Family support and care- A family works as a unit to take care of the issues that one member of the family is facing. This leads to a disturbance in the family’s daily functioning. Palliative care teams not only care for the individual with dementia but also offer support for families and caregivers. This is because they deal with the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. This may include counseling and practical advice on managing care at home.
- Enhancing quality of life- SInce a disorder takes away the quality of life that an individual can experience, palliative care aims to give back that comfort. It emphasizes on emotional and physical well-being, aiming to make the client’s final years or months as pleasant and dignified as possible.
- Addressing end of life care- As the issue advances, loved ones need to make difficult decisions about end-of-life care. This can include pursuing certain medical treatments or interventions. Palliative care teams can guide families in making informed decisions that align with the patient’s values and preferences.
Palliative care during different stages of Dementia
Dementia progresses in different stages. Simply search for palliative care near me. Try to understand the dilemma that comes with management of dementia patients. Here, you will identify the different stages and their needs at times.
Let’s discuss the different stages and how palliative care for dementia helps-
- Early stage- In the early stage of dementia, the individual may still function independently. But mild cognitive decline, memory loss, and difficulty with complex tasks usually sets in. Palliative care at this stage focuses on:
- Education and support: Helping the client and their family understand the progression and what to expect.
- Planning for the future: This includes discussions about legal and financial matters, living wills, and advanced care directives.
- Managing early symptoms: Early symptoms, such as forgetfulness or anxiety, may be addressed with non-invasive interventions like therapy or medication.
- Promoting quality of life: Encouraging activities that engage the person like hobbies, exercise, and social interaction for keeping them active and in the loop.
- Middle stage- Assistance with daily activities raises, leading to a high level of dependence. As the condition worsens, issues that need to be tackled are-
Pain management: Pain may become more noticeable, especially when gauging it becomes problematic for the client. Palliative care identifies and alleviates pain through medication and other therapies.
Behavioral symptoms: As dementia advances, individuals may experience behavioral roadblocks such as aggression, agitation, or wandering without context. Specialized interventions like cognitive-behavioral strategies can be used to manage these behaviors.
Nutritional planning: There is a marked difficulty with swallowing and eating This may require modifications to the diet or assistance with feeding. Palliative care provides advice on how to maintain nutrition and hydration as the individual’s faces issues.
- Late stage- .In the later stages, individuals become completely dependent on caregivers, and the quality of life is not quite dignified. To deal with this, palliative care gives-
End-of-life care: End-of-life care is a primary issue that is to be dealt with by the family members of the client. This can include whether to pursue aggressive treatments or focus on comfort care.
Bereavement support: After the death of a loved one, the family may require support in coping with the loss. Palliative care teams provide grief counseling and help family members with the grieving process.
Therapies included in Palliative care for dementia
Palliative care requires the use of therapies in all aspects, and under our care, clients receive numerous therapies to soothe their issues. To make end of life care as smooth as possible, use of therapies is essential. What essential therapies are applied- you might ask? Let’s discuss them in detail.
Physical Therapies: Occupational and physical therapies are essential to mobilize and keep motor function intact.Exercise routines are tailored to the client’s abilities, since not every person can have the range to maintain physical momentum. This prevents physical decline. Occupational therapies provide essential support to carry out daily activities that help the client take care of themselves on a basic level.
Psychosocial Support: Family counseling and support groups are essential for caregivers. Why, you may ask? This is because taking care of an individual who is suffering from a mental health issue is a daunting task. It takes away a lot of energy and time, which may take a toll on the caregiver. It is essential for providing emotional support and coping with the demands of caregiving.
Non-Pharmacological Therapies: These therapies play an important role in enhancing well-being and tackling behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) focuses on employing clients in activities that promote cognitive function with group exercises or memory games. Reality orientation therapy is where the clients are regularly provided with information about time, place, and identity which helps reduce confusion.
Pharmacological Therapies: Pharmacological therapies control the more aggressive symptoms of dementia. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used to manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, or aggression. While there is no cure even through medications, pharmacological therapies help in managing symptoms and applying psychological therapies effectively.
Importance of family and caregiver support
Family and caregiver support are essential in managing problems of dementia. With Tulasi healthcare, we are providing a safe haven for the betterment of your loved one and your own health. Caring for someone who struggles on their own is not an easy task, it takes energy, time and sacrifice that can deter even the strongest minds. While we understand this, we also offer the most holistic support from our end so the caregivers can heal while their loved ones do.
- Emotional support- Family members and support networks provide essential emotional stability, helping caregivers manage feelings of stress, guilt, and isolation.
- Practical assistance– Caregivers assist with daily tasks, from managing medications to helping with personal care, mobility, and eating.This helps family members focus on themselves, Prioritize their own tasks without the guilt of not caring for their loved one.
- Understanding and compassion- Harboring feelings of guilt can soon turn into hatred or even frustration when the client’s needs are not met. In such cases, family members need understanding and compassion to stabilize their mindset. This helps them to free their minds and tackle the situation of caring for their loved one much better.
Decision making– During the end of life care, family members need to make certain hard decisions that can impact the client as well as their future. In such cases, providing counseling and preparing them for what is to be expected ahead is a responsibility that lies with us. With a good palliative care for dementia at place, family members can make informed decisions.
Taking Initiatives toward Palliative Care for Dementia
If you are living with dementia, taking the initial step is the best way toward recovery. It can be overwhelming to look after a person with dementia. But with proper support, medical care, bringing comfort, dignity and quality of life for patients and their families is possible. Specialized care helps in recognizing symptoms. It provides the psychological and emotional support needed to address your needs.
Whether seeking help with regular caregiving tasks or seeking guidance on managing severe symptoms, palliative care is here to overcome your burden. We do create a holistic plan that respects your loved ones, and helps in empowering you as a caregiver.
Reach out today to explore several palliative care options. Let’s be together on this journey with you. We make sure to bring comfort and peace towards your loved ones and unlimited support only for you. Get in touch with a dementia care specialist now.
