Navigating the complexities of dementia care can be a daunting task, both for those living with the condition and their caregivers. However, groundbreaking research has revealed a surprisingly simple strategy that could significantly improve the quality of life for dementia patients and even extend their lifespan: setting and achieving daily goals.
The power of daily goals in dementia care
The concept of daily goal-setting for dementia patients isn’t just about giving them tasks to complete; it’s about creating meaningful objectives that resonate with their personal desires and needs. Whether it’s the joy of spending time with grandchildren, the satisfaction of brewing a perfect cup of tea, or the invigorating feeling of a leisurely walk, these activities can provide a sense of purpose and normalcy.
A ‘game-changing’ trial has demonstrated that dementia patients who are cared for at home and engage in fulfilling daily activities can maintain their independence longer, potentially saving nearly £9,000 a year by reducing the need for hospitalisation. With nearly one million people affected by dementia in the UK, and two-thirds of them living at home, the implications of this research are profound.
The cost of dementia care
Dementia care is a growing concern, with projections estimating that it could cost the health service up to £90 billion each year by 2040. Currently, there are no effective treatments to cure dementia, which makes the management of the condition and the support for those living with it all the more critical.
The NIDUS-Family programme
The study, published in Lancet Health Longevity, involved a one-year trial called the NIDUS-Family programme. This innovative approach provided support workers who delivered sessions to patients and carers, helping them to identify and work towards their priorities.
A total of 302 dementia sufferers participated in the trial, with two-thirds receiving the new programme. Each patient engaged in six-to-eight remote lessons, which guided them in setting important daily goals. These goals ranged from personal care tasks like getting dressed to engaging in exercise and completing household chores.
The results of the trial suggest that this new therapy could be integrated into existing dementia care within the NHS. Professor Claudia Cooper from Queen Mary University of London, the study’s lead author, believes that the programme could be a valuable addition to current care practices.
The financial and personal benefits
Senior author Professor Rachel Hunter from University College London highlighted the ‘tangible benefits’ for patients, as well as the financial relief it could provide for the NHS. Remarkably, the programme costs only £346 per person, a fraction of the £8,934 it saves annually in health and social care costs.
Dr Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society, which funded the study, praised the NIDUS-Family programme as a ‘game-changing intervention’. He emphasised the importance of offering personalised support to those living with dementia, enabling them to achieve their own goals and potentially making this a standard option in routine care.
Your role as a caregiver
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, consider the impact that daily goal-setting could have on their life. Engage with them to find out what activities they find meaningful and set achievable targets. Not only could this approach enhance their day-to-day living, but it could also contribute to their overall health and longevity.
Have you tried incorporating daily goals into your care routine for someone with dementia? What activities have you found to be most meaningful and effective? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and continue supporting each other in providing the best care possible.
Also read: When memories fade too soon: The truth about early-onset dementia and what we can do about it
