Early onset dementia: living at home with nursing support

In this video we meet Jim and Janet Swift, both keen travellers until Janet was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 58. Jim’s account of their experience illustrates the widespread effect of a very rapid deterioration, and explores the sense of loss and loneliness that can be part of the caring role. His account also highlights the need for skilled, experienced support for carers – in this case provided by an Admiral Nurse – together with access to regular breaks from the caring role.

Messages for practice

  1. Dementia can occur suddenly and then progress rapidly.
  2. It can affect adults of working age, as well as older people.
  3. Carers may experience a wide range of feelings about their role and the impact of dementia on their relative.
  4. Carers must receive support and advice from skilled professionals, and have the opportunity to have regular breaks from their caring role.
  5. Medical and social care staff must know how to access such support, and provide accurate and timely information.
     

Who will find this useful?

Social workers, care staff providing home care support, GPs and medical staff, carers.

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Available downloads:

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