The world can appear to be a very confusing place for your loved one with dementia because the way they see, feels and interprets the world around them can be very different to you.It’s important to remember, for a your loved one with dementia, living at home can give them a sense of independence. By making some simple changes to their home, they may be able to continue with the routines or activities they enjoy.Each of these changes may help them stay safe, active, and allow them to continue...
Dec 15, 2024
10 min
Many families have told me that during doctor visits, that often doctors do not discuss some basic information about dementia. This includes, what could and may happen, how their loved one may respond to dementia, what therapeutic options are available, the benefits of creating a personalised health care plan, and much more.I understand that this episode could be confronting, but I believe correct information helps families to prepare, and it gives them time to think and plan.Today we are goi...
Dec 8, 2024
8 min
Please think about this… ‘Right now, thousands of children are suffering and dying slowly with dementia and most people don’t know about it’. This is a quote from Megan Maack, CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative, which was formed in Sydney, Australia in 2020 to lead world-first action and awareness for all children with dementia. Megan has two children living with Childhood Dementia. I can’t think of any two words that shouldn’t be heard together. You cannot forget the phrase ‘Child...
Dec 1, 2024
7 min
In Australia, and in other countries, you as a competent adult has the legal right to accept or decline any medical treatment. It’s the same in many other countries. You have choice with your health care and medical care. However, if you are unable to communicate your wishes or have lost the mental capacity to make your own decisions, what then? Who would speak for you? What would you want them to say? Well, today you will understand the need for Advance Care Planning and an Advanc...
Nov 24, 2024
9 min
You and I are human beings and because of this we are subject to the human condition. The human condition incorporates both positive aspects like joy and love, as well as negative aspects like ageing, and mortality. This unfortunately includes some memory loss. However, there is a stage between the expected decline in memory and thinking that happens as you age, and the more serious decline of dementia. This is called Mild Cognitive Impairment, and it may include problems with memor...
Nov 17, 2024
7 min
I’ve worked with many family carers over the years, and I’m asked many, many challenging questions. One of the common questions I’m asked is ‘When will we know it’s time for nursing home care for my loved one who has dementia?’ My answer is sincere: I say” “You will know when it’s time.”But how will you recognise this. Well today we are going to discuss the difficult subject of nursing home care and when a person with dementia requires it. About meMy name is Tim England and I’m...
Nov 10, 2024
8 min
There are 2 popular models that explain the different stages of dementia. These are:- a 3-Stage dementia model and a 7-Stage dementia model. But before we compare these models you need to think about dementia as being on a continuum with no cognitive impairment on one end and very severe cognitive impairment on the other.Think about these stages as fluid with the ability for some small variations within each stage rather than solid stages with a clear beginning and a clear ending. A...
Nov 3, 2024
13 min
I’m a leading voice on dementia in Australia with a Masters of Dementia and a Bachelor of Dementia Care.Many consider me an expert in dementia, and I am often asked a very confronting question by families. How long will my loved one with dementia live for.This may appear as a straightforward question but really there is not a straightforward answer.Although life expectancy and dementia is a challenging topic to discuss, it is important to understand the many variables involved.So that’s the t...
Oct 27, 2024
9 min
So, you or your loved one have been diagnosed with dementia. Now what? What do you do now? It can be difficult to accept a dementia diagnosis. Fear, anger, denial and sadness are just a few of the emotions you or your loved one may experience. This is normal. However, there are things you can do post diagnosis, but it requires courage, desire and tenacity, and some Aussie grit on your part.This is the topic for this podcast - Dementia Diagnosis – what to do next?About meMy name...
Oct 20, 2024
9 min
This is the first episode of Series 2. In the first series there is a short podcast called ‘Some Myths of Dementia’. That episode listed many common and outdated myths, and miss understandings about dementia. These misbeliefs lead to misconceptions about this group of conditions by the public, and unfortunately within the medical community. You can hear about some of these myths on my previous podcast titled ‘Some Myths of Dementia’ from Series 1. To fully understand dementia, these...
Oct 13, 2024
8 min
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