Increasing Dementia Awareness in Bromley

It is estimated that there are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040*. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, national charity Alzheimer’s Society saw a 4.1% decrease in dementia diagnosis rates between February 2020 and June 2020. This suggests that there are thousands of people in the UK living with dementia without a diagnosis.

The Alzheimer’s Society campaigns to increase awareness of dementia and improve the lives of those living with dementia, and funds research to find a cure. It is therefore a charity that is very close to our hearts, here at Right at Home Bromley.

We dispelling three of these common myths in our blog below, and sharing information on what we are doing to increase dementia awareness in Bromley.

Right at Home is a home care agency based in Bromley, providing home care services such personal care, medication support, companionship and live-in care services.

Myth one: Dementia is a disease

• The terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are often used interchangeably but dementia is not a disease in its own right.
• Dementia is caused by different diseases that affect the brain and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common of these.
• There are lots of different types of dementia. Another common type is vascular dementia, which is caused by problems with blood supply to the brain.

Myth two: Dementia only affects memory loss 

Whilst dementia often begins with short-term memory loss, dementia is actually the umbrella name for a group of symptoms. These symptoms commonly include problems with memory, thinking, problem solving, language and perception. Different types of dementia cause damage to different parts of the brain.

Myth three: After a dementia diagnosis, the only option is to move into a care home

• If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, with the right care and support they can continue living in the comfort of their own home.
• In-home dementia care from a trained and trusted CareGiver can help alleviate the progression of symptoms. In addition, a regular routine and familiar home surroundings can reduce feelings of stress amongst people living with dementia.
• Live-in care is also an option for those requiring 24-hour dementia care at home. Live-in care is where a CareGiver takes up residence in a Client’s home. This provides Clients and their families, reassurance that someone else is in the house.
• A CareGiver can also identify any potential issues and ensure the home environment remains safe.

If you’re based in Bromley or surrounding areas and require support caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, contact our local office team based in Bromley on 02081506272 for information on how we can help. You can also read more about dementia homecare in Bromley on our Alzheimer’s and Dementia service page.