In this episode, I dive into a common and emotionally challenging scenario for cares: when a loved one with dementia asks to "go home."

Drawing from my personal experience, caring for both of my parents who have dementia, I explore, what this phrase often really means and why traditional responses may not be effective.

Key Points Discussed:

The Deeper Meaning Behind "I Want to Go Home": I unpack what this phrase often signifies beyond the literal interpretation.

Why Correcting Isn’t the Answer: Discuss why the instinct to correct or educate can sometimes be counterproductive in dementia situations.

Adapting Our Reactions: Learn about the importance of shifting our approach to better support your loved one’s emotional needs.

Personal Stories and Insights: I share my own real-life examples and insights from my decade-long journey as a carer.

If you've ever struggled with how to respond when your loved one with dementia asks to go home, this episode offers valuable perspectives and tips that can make a real difference in how you handle these situations.

I offer practical insights, designed to help you navigate these tough moments with greater ease and understanding.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to approach this sensitive topic and to learn strategies that could improve the quality of life for both you, and your loved one.

Connect with me at www.mydementiaroadtrip.co.uk and follow My Dementia Road Trip on for more tips, resources, and support.

Sometimes, we need to talk through a situation to be able to work through it, if this is something you would like, you can contact me and book time with me. We have a special carers community coming very soon, this is all on the website.

I've learned to embrace empathy and patience in my carers journey. Please remember, that although we may feel alone, we're not, there are lots of people going through exactly what we are going through every day.

By sharing my experiences, I hope to offer support and comfort to you as we navigate similar challenges.

Episode Title: Navigating Walking Challenges in Alzheimer's and Dementia

Host: Angela, caregiver for both parents with Alzheimer's and dementia

Summary:

In this episode, Angela delves into a specific challenge faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia—walking issues related to visual perception. Drawing from her personal experience caring for her parents, Angela shares the difficulties and solutions she has encountered in managing these walking fears.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Walking Issues:

• Angela introduces the topic of walking issues in Alzheimer's dementia, particularly the fear of the ground.
• Common perceptions include shiny floors appearing as water, dark rugs as voids, and patterned surfaces as moving entities.

1. Personal Experience with Visual Perception Challenges:

• Angela describes her personal experiences with her mother’s fear of the staircase in their old property.
• The challenge of curved stairs and how it causes her mother to become petrified.

1. Strategies and Solutions Tried:

• The use of hazard tape to outline the edges of stairs, which unfortunately did not work.
• Consideration of stair lifts, acknowledging the limitations due to the age and design of their staircase.
• Physical assistance, such as carrying her mother down the stairs or guiding her step by step.

1. Adapting to the Environment:

• Suggestions to cover problematic flooring with solid-colored, pattern-free carpets to mitigate visual confusion.
• Angela shares her approach of accompanying her mother down the stairs to provide reassurance.

1. Understanding and Reassurance:

• Emphasis on understanding the perspective of those with Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Angela’s message to caregivers: accept the fears as real, provide reassurance, and adapt to the needs of those in their care.

1. Final Thoughts and Encouragement:

• Angela encourages other caregivers, acknowledging the challenges but also highlighting the importance of patience and adaptation.
• Reiteration of the importance of getting into the mindset of those with Alzheimer's to alleviate stress for both the patient and caregiver.

Conclusion:

Angela wraps up the episode by emphasizing that the unpredictable nature of Alzheimer's and dementia requires ongoing adaptation and reassurance. She encourages listeners to stay strong and compassionate, reminding them that their efforts are invaluable.

Takeaway Message:

Understand the fears experienced by those with Alzheimer's as real, provide constant reassurance, and adapt your strategies to ensure a safer and less stressful environment for them.

Contact Information:

• Host: Angela from My Dementia Road Trip
• Website: www.mydementiaroadtrip.com
• Email: angela@mydementiaroadtrip.co.uk

Additional Resources:

• Articles and books on managing Alzheimer's and dementia
• Support groups for caregivers
• Tips for creating a dementia-friendly home environment

Are you on this journey, you're a carer for someone, or some people with Alzheimers / Dementia?

In this podcast, I share how a conversation about a Dementia Review brought me to tears.

Don't sit there in silence, as I do believe that there may be hope to getting help for us now were in post covid days.

Here's to you and the amazing person that you are, doing an amazing job and being truly incredible.