This 24-page booklet explores a range of scenarios and offers tailored coping strategies based on Susan’s extensive experience in defusing challenging behaviour on hospital wards, in the community and in individuals’ own homes.
“I have worked with a diverse range of patients whose behavioural response to their condition manifests itself in different ways,” explained Susan.
“And while healthcare professionals provide the best possible medical and clinical support, caregivers have to cope with these difficult scenarios being played out on a day-by-day basis”.
Susan Philips has produced a new guide to support friends and family members in caring for their loved ones with dementia.
“I developed this guide to help carers try to cope with some common behaviours.
“Feedback from colleagues and caregivers confirmed the need for a resource written by a ‘hands-on’ professional for a loving but non-expert caregiver”.
Mental health difficulties have a high profile in the UK, especially in the past 12 months.
Ongoing and worsening problems being experienced by young people, by abused individuals in the home, and by other vulnerable groups suffering from the extreme stresses of poverty, homelessness and loss of work have been well documented.
These issues must remain at the forefront of our social agendas as we emerge from the pandemic.
However, Susan said it was vital that we don’t lose sight of those with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society predicts there will be more than a million people diagnosed with dementia in the UK by 2025.
While the main symptom is progressive memory loss, which can be made more bearable with the right support, The Dementia Care Guide explores common behavioural scenarios and discusses coping strategies for each one:
- Repetitive questioning
- Confusion and misunderstandings in daily life
- Dis-inhibited behaviour
- Inappropriate sexual behaviour
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Excessive eating
- Dementia and driving
“I have seen so many carers – most often close friends or family members of those with dementia – who simply don’t know what to do for the best, especially after their loved one has just been diagnosed,” added Susan.
“They feel guilty and powerless and this booklet is designed to support these caregivers during the different stages of the dementia journey as personalities change and mental abilities deteriorate.”
I have seen so many carers – most often close friends or family members of those with dementia – who simply don’t know what to do for the best, especially after their loved one has just been diagnosed,”
As a committed Rotarian, Susan is offering a downloadable copy of The Dementia Care Guide as a free resource to other Rotarians.
Susan said: “You may be a caregiver yourself, or know someone who is, or it may be that your club is supporting community-based dementia initiatives.
“Just email with your name and the name of your club before July 1st to receive your free pdf.”
Email: s_phillips44@yahoo.com
