How can dementia affect people's lives?

Mental Health Awareness week continues with a look at dementia.

Dementia has been considered by many as an old people's illness for a long time. However, health professionals are hoping to change perceptions of the illness and educate people on the difficulties associated with dementia.

Experiencing Dementia

Gwen and Neil Cockayne are a married couple, who both have experiences of dealing with dementia.

Gwen's brother was in his mid seventies when he was diagnosed, and Neil's mother was in her eighties when she started acting differently.

Residential Care

Both Gwen and Neil's relatives are now living in Charnwood Lodge care home in Dumfries, and the families are happy with the care they're receiving.

By being in a care home, it takes the pressure off of them and means they don't have to worry every day.

Dumfries and Galloway has a long history of mental health care. The Crichton was established in 1838 and is world renowned for being at the forefront of psychiatric care for decades. However, the way people are treated is now changing, with more of a focus on individual care on a one-to-one basis.

*Power of Attorney *

As well as dealing with all of the emotional and physical stresses associated with dementia, families also have to think about the financial and legal implications. Assigning a power of attorney means that you are given control of their financial affairs, and Neil says it's hugely important to have this in place before the health deteriorates too far.

Robin Braidwood owns a solicitors in Dumfries and explain the benefits of having a power of attorney in place:

Quality of Life

One of the main points that health care workers want to get across is that being diagnosed with dementia does not mean the end of a good quality of life.