Project on caregivers of dementia patients

Hi All, I am currently pursuing the Specialist Diploma in Health Promotion at Nanyang Polytechnic. My group is undertaking a project to find out the needs of caregivers of dementia patients. The internet and brochures from the hospital/day centres etc are some areas where caregivers have access for information. But it is mostly "too technical" or "too general".. As such, my team mates and I are interviewing caregivers to find out the "gaps" and attempt to consolidate a "survival kit" for caregivers, both professionals (such as doctors/nurses) and non-professionals (such as spouse/children/relatives/etc). If you are a caregiver, (now or have taken care of one previously)  and willing to share your experiences, please email me at inez@wsinnovate.net. I will furnish you with more details about the project.                                                                                    Thanks A Lot.. inez

Author: Inez Lim

Am interested in keeping fit and travelling and would like to meet like minded people.

One thought on “Project on caregivers of dementia patients”

  1. Hi Inez,

    I’m Lisa Ong but an inactive member due to fulltime work but shd hv more time come June this year . Thought I can share my experience on caring for Dementia patients. I’ve cared for my father in law for two years n finally got 2maids to take over but under supervision. Although my in-law has recently passed away after 17 long years

    Just to share real life experiences on caring for dementia patient which involves not only patience but time and lots of energy. One has to learn n try out many ways of communicating with them eg, look for facial expressions like wincing or shouting when in pain discomfort or frustration of not being understood on their needs.

    Having dementia doesn’t mean they don’t know, it’s more like they cannot recall who we are or recognise their loved ones. If they can still talk, jolly good but when they can’t speak as in my father in laws case, we have to assume thru touch, looking at facial expressions and their eyes which will tell you what is acceptable and what’s not. Many a time one has to use common sense and rely on own judgement eg if you turn the fan or air on on, it’s only good to cover them with a thin blanket at least and also feel their skin to see if its very cold or hot. The dementia patient who can’t talk will not be able to tell u that, thus we need to use own judgement in this case.

    Dementia patient can turn violent at times, so it’s always good to hv someone accompany them eg a maid if possible to restrain them from harming themselves n others. These are only some pointers I’m sharing, so if u need to know more feel free to ask. I may not reply as frequently as I’m not in Spore right now and only back in June.

    Take care n regards to everyone in SHC too.

    Reds
    Lisa ong

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