Dementia Counselling
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It primarily affects older adults but is not a normal part of aging. Dementia describes a range of symptoms associated with cognitive decline, including memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and language.
Common Symptoms of Dementia Include
- Memory Loss: Particularly problems with short-term memory, such as forgetting where they left items, forgetting recent events or conversations.
- Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Struggling with daily tasks that the person previously handled easily, such as balancing a checkbook or playing games with rules.
- Language Problems: Difficulty following or joining a conversation; stopping in the middle of a conversation and having no idea how to continue.
- Disorientation: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time; may become confused about where they are or how they got there.
- Impaired Judgment: Changes in judgment or decision-making, such as paying less attention to personal grooming or being easily misled.
- Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: Pulling back from sports or social activities and spending more time sleeping or just sitting and doing very little.
- Changes in Mood and Personality: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious; may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
These symptoms can be distressing not only for the individual experiencing them but also for their family members, who may feel a profound sense of loss as they watch their loved one change.
How Counselling at MANOURJA Effectively Treats Dementia
While dementia is primarily treated medically, Counselling can be beneficial in managing the emotional and psychological impacts of the disease on both the patient and their caregivers.
- Supportive Counselling: Provides emotional support and a safe space for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to express their feelings and concerns.
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Involves activities and exercises designed to improve memory, problem-solving skills, and language ability, helping to slow cognitive decline.
- Family Counselling: Helps family members cope with the changes in their loved one and provides them with strategies to manage difficult behaviors and communication challenges.
- Psychoeducation: Educating patients and families about dementia, which can help in managing expectations and planning for the future.
Steps in MANOURJA’s Counselling Process for Dementia
- Initial Assessment: Gathering detailed information about the individual’s medical history, degree of cognitive impairment, and the family’s concerns.
- Goal Setting: Establishing realistic goals aimed at enhancing quality of life for both the patient and their caregivers.
- Development of a Customized Treatment Plan: Tailoring a plan that includes supportive Counselling, cognitive stimulation activities, and family Counselling.
- Regular Counselling Sessions: Engaging in ongoing sessions that focus on cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and caregiver education.
- Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of the interventions and making necessary adjustments to meet evolving needs.
Through Counselling and supportive therapies, MANOURJA aims to enhance the lives of individuals with dementia and their families, providing them with tools to manage the challenges of dementia with dignity and compassion.
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