Everyday Life
When you are a relative of a person living with dementia, you may feel that your quality of life has deteriorated. It does not need to be quite that bad if you take certain precautions. Learning your own limitations and ensuring that the quality of life is not unnecessarily overburdened will help maintain a good everyday life with the person who has dementia.
Many relatives become isolated because the person with dementia does not want to or cannot cope with very many social contacts. Therefore it is important, right from the time the disease is detected, for you to consider how everyday life is going to be in the future so your own needs are taken into consideration and you thus avoid loneliness, sadness and stress.
Physical signs of stress
- Tiredness
- Muscular tension and muscular pain, especially in the neck and back
- Headaches and migraines
- Trouble breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Elevated blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Shaky hands
- Increased sweat production
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach disorders such as pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomitting, heartburn, etc.
- Frequent illnesses such as colds, bronchitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections
Psychological signs of stress
- Restless and inner turmoil
- Insomnia
- Irritability and impatience
- Aggressiveness
- Memory disorders
- Concentration disorders
- Loss of sexual appetite
- Loss of interest in social activities with friends and family
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
- Tendency to give up
- Depression
You need to maintain your quality of life including diet, exercise and being with other people.
For all carers and relatives, regardless of age, it is important to get a grasp on everyday established routines and tasks. Some choose to deal with it one day at a time and try to get the most out of life. But you can still plan a little ahead and make plans of your own. Dementia brings a new perspective to life where everything becomes more intense.
- Think about how you can satisfy your needs.
- Find out about and take advantage of support services.
- Look after yourself, and invest time in yourself.