Social contact is crucial for the emotional wellbeing of a person with dementia. Business owner Monica Bradley explains why she made a point of ensuring her mum had a varied social schedule…
I cared for my late mum, Agnes, who had dementia until she passed away in January 2015. I was her primary carer, juggling running my business with making sure that mum was safe and well and received the care she required. Keeping the person safe is obviously hugely important, but as the focus when caring for someone tends to be on health and safety, there’s one other aspect of being a carer than can sometimes get forgotten – quality of life.
My mum Agnes was a very sociable lady. She was Irish and had a lively spirit. She enjoyed company. She loved meeting people and having conversations. So, it was hugely important to me that, despite her dementia diagnosis, she maintained her quality of life and still had a busy social schedule. Her diagnosis wasn’t something that should stand in the way of her having a social life in my view. I wanted her to have regular social contact and interaction with friends and family because I knew it would be good for her emotional wellbeing and her brain function. Just because someone has dementia, it doesn’t mean they should cease social contact with others. Having regular stimulating conversations if they are able, and having regular contact with others, is hugely important. And it doesn’t have to be a great deal of socialising to make a difference. A recent article published in the magazine, Nursing Times, showed details of a UK study stating that just 60 minutes of extra social interaction for people with dementia in care homes could improve their quality of life. The study, conducted by the University of Exeter, King’s College London and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, also showed that many people living in residential homes don’t have enough social contact. It revealed that some people receiving care only obtain just a few minutes of social interaction daily. This could potentially lead to anger, frustration and agitation in those living with dementia.
I made sure that my mum had regular contact with other members of her family. I also did my best to introduce her to other friends who would come and see her and talk to her about many different topics. Mum was friendly and outgoing, and enjoyed the company.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, I’d urge you to try and ensure they have regular social contact. You will probably find it makes them calmer, less agitated and happier. It will also take the pressure off you for a bit and give you a break.
If you can, try to take the person out for regular walks or to lunch. Shift the emphasis away from you being their carer for just a while. Make your time together about socialising and not just about you caring for them and doing things for them. This is hugely important for their emotional state.
More information
Monica Bradley is Managing Director of Cheam-based award-winning mortgage brokers, Monica Bradley Associates who are also proud sponsors of the Dementia Help Cycle Challenge. Monica’s company also deals with Lasting Power of Attorney and making Wills. Call for more information on 020 8652 5240 or visit https://www.mbassociates.net