Not all ‘doom and gloom’
down and relax he was able to remember his pin,” said Miller.
”Somebody with dementia, it takes them longer to process. We have to try to enter their world, so it’s a different way of thinking.”
Recalling an article that came out of Scotland, Miller explains that encouraging or offering support for someone with dementia is similar to installing mobility aids to make buildings more accessible.
“They said we have physical ramps, we need cognitive ramps. I like that thinking,” she says.
“We provide physical ramps, we need to provide cognitive ramps… each one of us needs to think differently to provide that cognitive ramp. Much of it is about acceptance and respect for the individual.”
The Alzheimer Society of Canada’s “Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease” graphic provides a general overview of things to watch for: memory loss impacting daily activities, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation in time and space, impaired judgment, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood or behaviour, changes in personality and loss of initiative.
Miller says there are several programs, services and support groups in the Annapolis Valley that can assist people Alzheimer’s Disease - or other forms of dementia - as well as their care partners.
She frequently hosts Heads Up for Healthier Brains presen- tations for small or large groups wanting to learn more.
“That looks at the ten warning signs and what we can do for ourselves to help prevent or slow the process and help other people,” says Miller.
She’s also in the process of planning more Family Caregiver Education Series events, workshops with sessions that span six weeks, within the Valley. For people in the early stages, Miller says there’s a Shaping the Journey program she can recommend.
“It’s about helping them, enabling them, supporting them – and not doing everything for them.”
Miller says it’s vital that both the individual living with dementia and his or her care partners feel supported. A longtime facili- tator of a support group in Falmouth, Miller says the monthly meetings work wonders for many.
“It’s an opportunity for people to share and ask questions… they really care about each other,” she says, noting that there are similar groups in Wolfville, Kentville and Berwick.
“We’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg in those groups. Everybody who comes to the group has said, ‘I wish I had come sooner.’”
Miller says families and individuals impacted by dementia do not have to face the disease alone. She encourages anyone with questions to reach her by phoning 902-790-4189 or emailing pat. miller@asns.ca.