2. What is dementia
Dementia is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or
progressive nature – in which there is deterioration in
cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought)
beyond what might be expected from normal ageing.
It affects memory, thinking, orientation,
comprehension, calculation, learning capacity,
language, and judgement.
Consciousness is not affected. (WHO)
3. Activities in the local area
Shopping/Wet
market
Banking
Library
Person with dementia
Eating out
4. Functional impairments associated with dementia
The Various functional impairments associated with dementia are:
Memory loss
Executive dysfunction
Aphasia
Agnosia
Behavioural
Activity & mood disturbances
Apraxia
Visuospatial impairment
5. Dementia friendly community
Definition:
A dementia-friendly community is one in which people with
dementia are empowered to have high aspirations and feel
confident, knowing they can contribute and participate in
activities that are meaningful to them. (DFC-UK)
Dementia friendly community is an environment where put
things in place to maximize the person with dementia day to day
life much better.
A dementia-friendly community should be a place where there is
increased awareness that dementia is a disease that touches the
lives of many, and so requires community-based solutions.
6. Dementia friendly community
A dementia-friendly community will be a place where people
with dementia and their carers are
a) Given assistance at home earlier
b) Reducing the risk of comorbidities or falls, fractures or
urinary tract infections
c) Helping reduce stress and fatigue in their carers.
This will mean that the person with dementia could require
fewer hospitalisations and remain in their own home for longer.
7. Dementia friendly community
Achieving highest possible friendly community for a person with
dementia will start with the person and their carer itself.
People with dementia experience very different symptoms that
require different responses.Since each person is unique and their
needs and problem areas are different it may not possible to meet
each and every individual needs in the community.
So its necessary to find the short comings of the person and equip
the person and their carer as well as the community with adequate
aids & knowledge is must to promote the wellbeing of the person
who suffers with dementia.
8. Possible barriers
INTERNAL
There are internal hindrance’s due to the functional
impairments which cause the person with dementia not able
to engage effectively with their community .
1) Lack of confidence
2) Being worried about becoming confused
3) Being worried about getting lost
4) Mobility and physical health issues
5) Not wanting to be a burden to others
6) Lack of transport
9. Possible barriers
EXTERNAL
Lack of public awareness about dementia in the community &
stigma.
Lack of formal & informal support from others in the
community to carry out activity they want to.
Lack of appropriate activities to do.
10. Barriers Yes
%
No
%
Don’t know
%
Physical health 59 37 4
Mobility difficulties 59 38
Lack of transport 33 62 5
Lack of support from family or friends 18 77 5
Lack of support from services 24 64 12
Lack of confidence 69 25
Worried about getting lost 60 34 6
Worried about becoming confused 68 26 6
Lack of opportunities 33 55 11
Don’t want to be burden 44 43 13
Barriers that peoplewithdementia face
DFCsurvey (UK) : If you have stopped doing some of the things that you used to,
can you tell us what have been the barriers to doing them?
14. Technologies
Bed Sensor & Gas dedector
Will alert if the person leaves the bed and not return within short period.
15. Environment
Signage
Large font size
Bold type bright color letters
Should be on the door of the specific place
At eye level
Clear toilet signs
Avoid extra designs
Ensure the glass doors are clearly marked.
Lighting
Proper seating
Follow up maps (stores, Bank and other business areas)
16. To consider
Each level a health care associates / befrienders who would
monitor the moments of the residents of the block.
Pager can be given to the HCA’s to get alarm if any
unnecessary moments or there was no moment at all in the
unit.
Buddy system: people with mild dementia can be
accompanied with person with moderate dementia
Keep all the shops/ amenities to the right hand side since
most of us dominant hand is right tendency to follow right
hand side automatically.
17. To consider
Automatic water controller installed pipes
Movement sensor lights to brighten the room and prevent
falls.
Pre-set activity reminder system. (e.g. today 5 Pm you have to
go to group activity at level one, also produce pictorial form
of the instructions).
Make them wear special badge, so the community can identify
and help accordingly e.g. in grocery shops, banks, food court
etc.,
