Caregivers, you got this!

Being a caregiver to a person with dementia is like caring for two people. You should take care of your loved one’s well-being, as well as your own. By
understanding what dementia does and how to cope with your caregiving duties, you will have better chances of avoiding burnout!

Many people associate dementia with forgetfulness that happens when parents or grandparents get older. But this condition is more complex than simply
forgetting a name or a face. Understanding what dementia does will help you to grapple with changes that happen to your loved one and how it affects your caregiving duties.

Part 1: Know what dementia means (and how they evolve)

Dementia is an umbrella of diseases that cause degenerative changes to the brain¹.

In medical terms, ‘degenerative’ is a condition in which a specific organ worsens or deteriorates over time.

Part 2: Could this be dementia?

While some of these signs may not seem out of the ordinary in older people, they can point to the onset of dementia.

Part 3: Caregiving is caring for two people.

Remember, caregiving is like a marathon – you have to pace yourself and stay steady for the long journey. Learn how to take care of a loved one with dementia while maintaining your personal well-being.

Ensure that planned activities are within the person's ability.
Break the activity into smaller parts
Use simple language and instructions
Give the person enough time to understand and carry out a task
Use physical gestures and prompts to orientate them if they seem stuck
Remain calm, pleasant and helpful when you assist them
Thank the person when something is accomplished
Learn to enjoy the task, rather than judging the outcome

Set limits for what you can do. Don’t overload yourself!
Schedule short rest periods between your caregiving activities
Don’t keep negative emotions to yourself. Confide in someone you can trust regularly.
Keep your energy level up. Eat a well-balanced diet and hydrate regularly
Maintain an exercise routine to keep your mind clear
Let family members lend a hand when you’re overwhelmed
Have a “me-time”– even if it’s just 1 hour per week
Trade tips and support with a community of fellow caregivers near you. You can also tap on local organisations such as Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) for resources like caregiving courses, transport, and more.

Taking care of a loved one with dementia is a long journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Every little bit of support helps, from a helping hand to carry out everyday errands like delivering groceries, to financial cushioning for medical and daily living needs. If you are a working professional or part of the sandwich generation, you may find yourself needing the assistance of another caregiver to lighten the load.

Today, 1 in 10 seniors above the age of 60 in Singapore is affected by dementia. By 2030, there will be over 150,000 persons with dementia in Singapore².

These statistics show that the disease is not uncommon, and it may affect your parents, elderly relatives, or even yourself. The financial support provided by the Government-initiated CareShield Life will help you and your loved ones to weather long-term care costs, but there is more you can do to strengthen this protection.

Complement your disability support plan with GREAT CareShield, a long-term disability care insurance designed to boost your coverage.

Sources:

Mind Matters: Article feedback form

Tell us your thoughts and stand another chance to win in our lucky draw (ends 31 December 2024)

1. Did you find the article useful?

Yes

No

2. What did you like about the article?

This made me sit up and tell myself not to brush aside ‘forgetfulness’ as just another sign of aging

I am better able to spot the signs of dementia

It reminds me that caregivers also need TLC from time to time

3. What other information would you like to know with regards to Dementia or Neurohealth?

*Enter your answer here

4. Please enter your details below

Full name*

Email address*

Acknowledgement

*By submitting your answers, you confirm you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Mind Matters Quiz found here.

By clicking on the "Submit" button, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal data by Great Eastern and its related corporations (collectively, the “Companies”), as well as their respective representatives, agents, authorised service providers and relevant third parties, collecting, using and/or disclosing your personal data for purposes reasonably required by the Companies to administer this promotion and such other purposes as described in Great Eastern’s Privacy Statement which is accessible from Great Eastern’s website, which you confirm you have read and understood.

Let us match you with a qualified financial representative

Our financial representative will answer any questions you may have about our products and planning.

How can we help you?

Learn about product Need help buying Get all rounded financial planning

Leave us a message (optional)

Product Name

Let my Financial Representative contact me

Your last Servicing Representative will contact you.

Enter contact details

Name

Email

We'll send you a text before calling.

By continuing, you are agreeing to Great Eastern Privacy Policy.

Life and health

Wealth

Lifestyle

National schemes

Prestige series