Supporting Your Loved Ones – A Different Perspective on Dementia

Remember the movie Uri? While the movie is mostly remembered for India’s befitting reply to Pakistan for an unprovoked attack, there is something else that stands out. Vicky Kaushal’s character, Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, wants an early retirement so he can take care of his mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease—also known as senile dementia. Despite hiring a nurse, one morning, his mother goes missing and is found under a bridge after an extensive search.

Dementia

Though this is a movie, real life for people with dementia is not very different. As we know, dementia is a term used for the symptoms that occur when there is a progressive decline in brain function. Dementia impacts memory and other abilities such as language, thinking, and problem-solving. In India, more than 5.3 million people suffer from some form of dementia. Most of them live with their families, who are sometimes unaware of the problem until it is too late.

The Modern-Day Lifestyle

Life in the twenty-first century is not easy. Rising inflation, the increasing cost of living, a fast-paced lifestyle, and constant stress and strain affect not just physical but also mental health. In a home where both husband and wife must raise their children, meet all their needs, and fulfill professional commitments and deadlines, it becomes difficult to care for a parent or elder suffering from dementia.

In this condition, brain and nerve cells die a slow death, and different areas of the brain start shrinking. This causes memory loss, and the patient gradually loses the ability to recall even basic information about themselves. Their capacity to interact with people or handle normal situations is severely affected.

A Path of No Return

The onset of dementia generally involves three stages. In the first stage, the patient starts forgetting names or things. Sometimes, they begin to lose their way even in familiar places. They also lose track of time. In the second stage, the patient begins to forget the people around them and recent events. Communication becomes difficult, even with close family members. Patients often wander off on their own and continuously ask repetitive questions.

In the third stage, the patient becomes completely dependent on others for even the smallest tasks. Many also face difficulty in walking.

Tender Loving Care

Despite considerable advances in medical science, there is no known cure for dementia. After its onset, dementia follows a progressive course that is rarely reversible. The next best step is early diagnosis so the condition can be managed as effectively as possible. It is also important to regularly assess the patient’s cognitive function, physical health, emotional well-being, and daily activities. Constant care can help in detecting and treating many physical issues that arise due to lowered immunity.

Impact on Loved Ones

Dementia is, without a doubt, a debilitating health disorder. Once it sets in, there is no cure. In such a scenario, the patient’s family often finds itself helpless. The disease not only takes a toll on the patient’s physical and mental health but also affects the emotional, financial, and physical health of the entire family.

Due to the lack of extended family support, it is usually the children who must care for their parents while also looking after their spouse and children. This creates a sense of helplessness, causing strain and even feelings of guilt within the family.

A Different Perspective

As Indians, we are raised to love and support our parents, no matter what. While this is a noble sentiment, it becomes difficult for working couples to manage their jobs, children, and parents or in-laws. As much as they would like to be there for their parents in such difficult times, they also have to meet the demands of daily life. Trusting daily helpers or people who are untrained in elderly care is also not a viable solution.

In such cases, it is a good idea to consider elder homes that provide comprehensive health care. Earlier, such facilities existed only in countries like the USA and the UK. But now, with options like Nema Elder Care, elders in India can be well looked after with all necessary amenities close by. Children can visit their parents from time to time and even check in via cameras to monitor their health and well-being.

Dementia is not an easy condition to deal with. Realizing that the parents who brought you into this world may no longer recognize you is heartbreaking. The issue is not whether you want to care for your parents at home. The real question is whether you can provide them with the kind of care they truly need in this condition.

Keeping your parents at home while juggling work, life, and children may be counterproductive to their health and well-being. They have their own needs, and facilities like Nema Elder Care can help meet those needs. It ensures they spend their remaining years in peace and comfort, rather than in trauma and stress.