Caring for Someone with Dementia: Help and Changes

Caring for someone with dementia often takes a lot out of you. Both of your lives change step by step. Small things sometimes become more difficult, at home or elsewhere.

What changes when someone has dementia?

Dementia often changes things step by step. Someone forgets more, loses track of things faster, or needs more help. Safety, daily activities, and future care then also come into view sooner.

Where do you start in Zoetermeer?

Start with the general practitioner. That is the first step if you are worried about memory problems, or if you wonder whether it is dementia. The general practitioner looks at what is going on and refers you to a specialist if necessary.

If a specialist makes the diagnosis, the Steunpunt Dementie Zoetermeer can further guide you with a case manager. If there is not yet a diagnosis, the general practitioner remains the first step. You can also call for information, but you will only get guidance from a case manager after a diagnosis and a referral through the general practitioner or geriatrician.

What help is available for daily activities and safety?

In Zoetermeer there are community centers where people with dementia receive activities and support. Think of movement, creativity, structure, and social contact. Caregivers can also find information, advice, and contact there.

In the community centers Susannegang and Buytenthuis, there are day activities with tailored support, in small groups of up to 10 people. While your loved one is there, you have some time for yourself. A dementia case manager can help think about what fits.

Do not wait until a crisis moment. Questions about behavior, daily activities, safety, or future care can be discussed earlier.

What support is there for you as a caregiver?

As a caregiver, you can take a dementia course through the local access desk. There you will receive information, tools, and tips. In Zoetermeer, inZet also offers the course Dementia and Now for Caregivers.

There are also discussion groups for different stages of dementia. There is also a partner discussion group if you care for your partner. In addition, there is a monthly caregiver café, where you can meet other caregivers.

Zoetermeerwijzer helps you look for advice, practical help, respite care, activities, and organizations. If you want help choosing, you can discuss the result with a caregiver coordinator in Zoetermeer or independent client support.

What do you do if the care becomes too much?

If the care becomes too much, it is good to share the burden and ask for help early. You can write down in time what you help with, such as dressing, transport, appointments, supervision, administration, or support with fear and uncertainty. It also helps to note how often this is needed and what happens when you are not there.

With that overview, you can go to your general practitioner, practitioner, or independent client support. They can look at what help is already possible now. Support may already be available, even without a definitive diagnosis. For medical questions or examinations, go to a doctor.