Living with dementia is difficult, and it can have a huge impact on your lifestyle. If you start experiencing symptoms of dementia at a younger age, it can have a profound effect on the plans you’ve made for your life and your future, as well as your close relationships.
At Absolute Care & Health, we provide in-home care for people living with dementia. We aim to improve the quality of your daily life and to help you achieve your lifestyle goals. We deliver care with the goal of maximising your independence and dignity.
Find out more about our approach to in-home dementia care.
What is younger onset dementia?
‘Younger onset dementia’, also know as ‘early onset dementia’, is the term used to describe dementia symptoms in anyone under 65 years of age. According to Dementia Australia, dementia is defined as the following:
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term which describes symptoms such as loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions.
Younger onset dementia can occur in people as young as their 30s, so getting a correct diagnosis is essential. If you suspect you or a relative has younger onset dementia, talking to a doctor is the first and most important step.
Getting an early diagnosis will help you with planning and setting up the support services you will need in the long term. There may also be medical treatments available to reduce the severity of some symptoms and improve your quality of life.
More information about dementia
Dementia affects a significant number of people in Australia, and improving the lives of people living with dementia is an important goal we should all share. According to Dementia Australia:
- In 2019, there is an estimated 447,115 Australians living with dementia, and an estimated 27,247 living with younger onset dementia.
- It is estimated that almost 1.5 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
- Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia.
Treatment and care services for younger onset dementia
While there may be some medical treatments available, another important service people living with dementia receive is care services provided by a personal care attendant (PCA).
The care services needed for people living with dementia can vary a lot, and depend entirely on their unique circumstances. The most important thing to consider with dementia care services is the way in which the care is delivered rather than the specific tasks involved. For example, it may be about ensuring the individual is safe and secure doing things they’ve always enjoyed, rather than doing it for them.
Psychiatric assessment is also very important for identifying treatable disorders which can mimic dementia, such as depression, and to help manage possible psychiatric symptoms of dementia such as anxiety or delusions. A psychiatric assessment typically takes place during the diagnostic evaluation.
Our approach to younger onset dementia care
People living with younger onset dementia can experience a lot of difficulties which result from being diagnosed at a younger age. Feelings of loss are very common, and you may not be able to achieve some of the things you had planned for your future. It can also become difficult to maintain existing social connections and relationships with family and friends. That’s why it is so important to approach care services with the goal of maximising your lifestyle and quality of life.
At Absolute Care & Health, we provide in-home care services for people living with younger onset dementia. Our approach to dementia care is to put you at the centre of the way we plan and deliver your care services.
Using a person-centred approach means we consider your unique circumstances, needs, and goals so we can help you minimise the impact dementia has on your life.
We help our clients to maximise their potential within their abilities and enable them to take part in the things they have always done and enjoyed. Staying active and maintaining a normal routine can help promote dignity and self-esteem for people living with younger onset dementia.
In-home care services
There is a wide range of in-home care services you can receive as part of dementia care, and the right services for you will depend on your individual circumstances. These can include:
No matter which care services you receive, your needs will always be the focus. We understand everyone is a unique individual with unique circumstances. Find out more about our in-home care services.
Get expert advice and tailored support for younger onset dementia
Promoting independence and wellbeing is an essential part of younger inset dementia care. Our team can help you improve your daily life and reach your lifestyle goals with tailored support and care planning.
For more information or advice about younger onset dementia care, get in touch with our team.
