Care providers need to do more to help dementia patients live in the 'here and now'

More needs to be done to create a balance in the lives of dementia patients, between reminiscence therapies and activities which appreciate the ‘here and now,’ according to a new report.

The report, titled ‘A good life with dementia’ has used new research and interviews from over 80 people living with dementia to explore ways to allow someone living with dementia to live a fulfilling life regardless of the illness.

Written by independent research agency ESRO and published by Red and Yellow Care in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, the report coincided with the launch of the new service Red & Yellow Care which provides integrated person centred dementia care.

With the aim of tackling stigmas attached to the illness, the report has created six areas to help people lead good lives with dementia and create a more hopeful outlook on the dementia debate.

Founding director of Red and yellow Care, Dr Bahbak Miremadi said: “What’s striking is that this new framework is actually just stating the obvious. It’s about the things we all take for granted, but which are eclipsed by the panic, fear and stigma that have come to surround dementia.

“We need to get back to core principles if we’re going to enable people with dementia to see past their fear and make the most of what if potentially a long, rich and rewarding time of life.”

Timely diagnosis

Creators of the report said a timely diagnosis is crucial to helping people plan for their future and even suggested if planned for, dementia could be seen as an ‘unexpected gift’ due to the freedom which comes with a person’s inevitability of decline.

George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s society said: “This report shows that with the right care and support people can live well with dementia. However, sadly we know this is not the reality for many. We need a step change in dementia care and support to overcome obstacles and barriers to living well focused on increased awareness, timely diagnosis and more personalised care.

“All of us have a part to play to ensure a good life can be had with dementia.”

In the moment

The report wants greater emphasis to be placed on helping people with dementia to focus on the value of living in the moment and shared the view of psychologist Daniel Kahneman arguing the value placed on a person’s remembering-self is overrated.

Instead it claimed the uninhibited approach to enjoying things ‘in the moment’ often experienced by people with dementia should be celebrated to minimise distress caused by a continuing loss of memory.

Retain identity

With 92 per cent of those asked in a survey of over 2,300 UK adults for the report, claiming ‘being independent’ is important to happiness, allowing people with dementia to continue taking risks and experience everyday responsibility, was described as crucial to ensuring a person does not have their freedom restricted.

With current risk management overly negative and risking people with dementia becoming the ‘safest humans who ever lived,’ the report wants carers and care organisations to allow people with dementia to continue experiencing small everyday risks, empowering dementia suffers to manage their own decline whilst continuing to engage with life.