If a family member develops dementia | A guide to help you avoid mistakes in caregiving, living, and finances

This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:

Original: 家族が認知症になってしまったら｜介護・暮らし・お金まで失敗しない対応ガイド

Dementia is a familiar problem

Japan’s population is aging, and it is predicted that by 2025, approximately one in five people over the age of 65 will develop dementia.

For this reason, many people worry that their parent or spouse might have dementia.

Author
“When you hear about dementia, you get anxious. However, with the right knowledge and actions, you can move forward in a direction that will bring peace of mind to both your family and the person.”

What happens when you develop dementia?

Dementia is a condition in which memory and judgment deteriorate, interfering with daily life.

Although symptoms and progression vary from person to person, there are three major changes that families face:

✔ ① Changes in daily life

Difficulty cooking and managing money
Easier to get lost
Conversations become more difficult than before

If your judgment becomes impaired due to dementia, you may not be able to follow the basic actions and rules of life.
Author
“At first I was like, “Huh? “Even if you think that way, over time it can cause problems in your daily life.”

✔ ② Medical/nursing care will be required

Since the symptoms of dementia are often progressive, nursing care and medical support are often required.
There are many situations that are difficult for families to deal with alone, and the support of professionals is also important.

✔ ③ Property management and legal issues

Dementia affects a person’s ability to make decisions, which can lead to
legal issues such as managing deposits, real estate, and contracts.

What families should do first

1. Early diagnosis and consultation at a medical institution

Maybe dementia? If you think this is the case, first consult your family doctor or specialist.
It is important to know the symptoms and degree of progression through accurate diagnosis.

Author
“By receiving a diagnosis early, you will be able to improve your lifestyle and use nursing care services more smoothly.”

2. Preparation of nursing care services

In case you need nursing care, it is helpful to know the following support:

Home-visit nursing care
Day service
Care manager consultation
Dementia-friendly communal living care (group home)

It is important not to handle the problem alone, but to cooperate with professionals.

3. Dividing roles in the family

When a family member develops dementia, the burden of care tends to increase.
With family and relatives

Daily monitoring
Golden Coil Management
Hospital support
Document organization

By dividing the roles, stress will be dispersed.

Author
“‘Doing everything by yourself’ won’t last. The trick is to support the team.”

4. Review of property management and inheritance measures

Dementia can make it difficult to manage bank accounts and handle real estate.
If possible, while symptoms are mild

Family Trust
See the system after adulthood
Creating a will

It is safe to consider

etc.

Author
“We tend to put off money matters, but now is the time to prepare while you still have the ability to make decisions.”

Things to be careful about in daily life

✔ Home safety measures

People with dementia may be careless and engage in dangerous behavior.
What you should be especially careful about

Forgetting to turn off the stove
Wandering from the entrance
Stumbles and falls

etc.
If necessary, install monitoring equipment, sensor lights, and locking measures.

Author
“If you leave a small problem unattended, it can lead to a major accident.”

✔ Communication ideas

People with dementia may repeat the same things or become confused.
In such a case,

Speak slowly
Convey in simple words
Accept without getting angry

It is important to respond with

etc.
If you scold or suddenly deny something, it may increase the person’s anxiety.

Author
“Communication that doesn’t try to correct things will keep relationships from breaking down.”

Caring for caregivers (family) is also very important

If family caregivers themselves become tired, not only will the quality of their care deteriorate, but their health will also deteriorate.
Recent research has shown that it is important to respond to the mental and physical health and support needs of caregivers themselves.

This includes things like rest, counseling, and peer support (connecting with people in the same position).

Author
“Please don’t put off your caregiver’s care. Your health is very important.”

Counter where you can consult with experts

Dementia Disease Medical Center
Regional Comprehensive Support Center
Care manager
Lawyer/Judicial Scrivener (Property Management)

In Japan, a support system for families is established by law.
The Dementia Basic Act also clearly states that a consultation system and support for families will be promoted.

Summary | What your family can do if you develop dementia

First, get an accurate diagnosis
Learn about nursing care services and support systems
Dividing roles in the family
Prepare assets and money early
Improve safety in daily life
Improve communication
Caregivers themselves should also rest and consult

Author
“Dementia is a progressive disease, but the quality of your life will change considerably depending on how you deal with it.The important thing is to not be isolated🌱”