Living With Dementia: Do you provide care or offer support?
Dementia is more than memory loss. Symptoms may include a lack of initiation, depression, apathy, lack of motivation and create feelings of a loss of purpose or meaning in life.
“Care” tends to focus on:
*Personal care
*Providing a safe environment
*Focuses on needs for comfort
*The daily practical tasks and daily living
* Doing something “for” the person, rather than with the person
“Support” tends to promote:
*Independence
*Autonomy and personhood
*Engagement with social connections
*Improving well-being and quality of life
*Adapting activities to stay involved in hobbies
*Emphasis on doing something “with” the person, not “for’ the person
Providing care and support for someone living with a dementia is not easy. But finding some middle ground, and begin doing more with your loved one rather than for the person, will promote their independence longer allowing more time for yourself.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Memory Cafe or Family and Friends Workshops, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.