At The Good Care Group, we understand that individuals faced with a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia may feel that their quality of life is under threat. However, it is possible to live well with Frontotemporal Dementia, retaining a sense of independence and keeping daily routines intact.
In this guide, we will discuss the main strategies you may want to consider to ensure that your loved one is living well with Frontotemporal Dementia. From exploring the most common symptoms associated with this rare form of dementia to sharing top tips for carers and families, we will provide you with a handy toolkit to help manage this condition.
As this condition progresses, so do its symptoms, and therefore, you may feel in need of further support caring for a loved one. If you are considering home care services with a loved one’s care, get in touch to discuss your loved one’s specific care needs. Our team of experts is on hand to answer all your questions about Frontotemporal Dementia live-in care.
What is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a less common form of dementia that primarily impacts the frontal and temporal lobes, located at the front and sides of the brain, respectively. These brain regions are responsible for regulating personality, emotions, behaviour, speech, and comprehension of language.
Consequently, people with Frontotemporal Dementia often experience noticeable changes in their behaviour and personality. They may exhibit impulsivity, social disinhibition, or apathy. Additionally, FTD can manifest as difficulties in speech production, such as slow or hesitant speech, as well as challenges in understanding the meaning of words or sentences. These symptoms differ from those typically associated with other types of dementia, highlighting the distinct nature of Frontotemporal Dementia.
What are the symptoms of FTD?
The symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia are similar to those of more common types of dementia. However, there is a specific focus on speech and behaviour in this form of condition. The most common symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia include:
- Changes in behaviour – An individual may act inappropriately or show impulsiveness. They may also neglect personal hygiene, change their eating habits or lose motivation.
- Personality changes—They may appear selfish, insensitive, rude, or lacking sympathy, acting unlike their usual selves.
- Problems with language – Speaking slowly, getting words in the wrong order, or using words incorrectly are common language problems experienced by individuals living with Frontotemporal Dementia.
- Cognitive issues – They may seem easily distracted and struggle with planning and organisational tasks.
- Problems with memory – as this form of dementia progresses, memory issues occur later, unlike Alzheimer’s disease.
Strategies for living well with FTD
Coping with behavioural changes
Behaviour changes can be the most demanding aspect of helping your loved one live well with Frontotemporal Dementia. One way to manage these changes in behaviour is to enlist the help of a live-in carer. An experienced live-in carer with specialist skills in dementia care can help navigate certain changes in behaviour, employing calming techniques to support the individual.
Physical exercise has also been shown to be beneficial for those living with dementia due to its neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, maintaining a structured sleep pattern and eating a balanced diet are also important for good brain health. A live-in carer can help implement a healthy diet and good sleep hygiene and encourage your loved one to partake in regular gentle exercise.
Helping with language issues
How you communicate with an individual living with Frontotemporal Dementia makes a world of difference. The aim is to better understand both sides. It is important to speak clearly and listen patiently when it’s their turn to speak.
Also, remember that not every day is the same. Some days, your loved one may be more able to speak easily, while on others they may find communication challenging. Make the most of the good days or times of each day and dedicate these periods to communicating with your loved one. Ensuring that all their other needs are met can also help them feel comfortable and not distracted. If they are hungry or in pain, for example, the chances are that they will not be able to focus on communication.
Embrace structured routines
Implementing structured routines and schedules plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of individuals living with FTD. By establishing predictable patterns for daily activities such as meals, exercise, and leisure, people with FTD experience a heightened sense of stability and security. These consistent routines serve as anchor points throughout the day, reducing confusion and anxiety often associated with cognitive decline. Moreover, structured routines provide a framework for caregivers to effectively manage caregiving responsibilities and ensure the individual’s needs are met in a timely manner.
Foster meaningful social connections
Nurturing meaningful social connections is essential for promoting the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with FTD. Encouraging regular interactions with family, friends, and support groups serves as a powerful antidote to the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany the progression of the disease.
By engaging in activities that foster socialisation, such as shared meals, outings, or participation in community events, individuals with FTD maintain a sense of belonging and connection to their support network. These social interactions not only provide emotional support but also contribute to cognitive stimulation and mental well-being, enriching the individual’s overall experience despite the challenges posed by FTD.
Tips for carers and family
Caring for someone living with Frontotemporal Dementia can be difficult and can take its toll on your own health and well-being. Here are some top tips for carers and family members:
- Exercise – take time for yourself and ensure that you get enough exercise. Whether that be yoga or running, or playing a team sport, exercise can improve your physical health and boost your mood too.
- Respite care – there will be times when you may not be able to care for your loved one. Holidays, appointments and other responsibilities can shift your focus. Fortunately, you can turn to respite care to ensure that your loved one is being expertly looked after whilst you are busy with other commitments.
- Live-in care – as Frontotemporal Dementia progresses, there may come a time when your loved one will need round-the-clock care at home. Not only does live-in care provide professional care in the comforting surroundings of home, but it also gives you the peace of mind that your loved one is receiving as much care and support as they require.
- Know when to ask for help – we have no doubt that you can do it all, we as humans are capable of taking on multiple tasks. However, taking on too many stressful challenges can affect your health and well-being and ultimately reduce your ability to care for anyone else. Knowing when you have reached your limit and asking for help from other family members, friends or care services is essential if you want your loved one to live well with dementia.
Long term care for FTD
The progressive nature of Frontotemporal Dementia means that symptoms will worsen over time, leading to the deterioration of an individual’s health. A person can still live well with Frontotemporal Dementia. However, they will need the right support in place. If you are a primary caregiver and feel that caring for a loved one with Frontotemporal Dementia is becoming increasingly overwhelming, a live-in carer is a perfect long-term care solution.
At The Good Care Group, our team of dementia carers are adept at managing the symptoms of this form of dementia and ensuring that your loved one lives well with Frontotemporal Dementia. Whether you require some extra assistance to support you as the primary caregiver or need round-the-clock live-in care or overnight care, our dedicated carers can provide the high quality support your loved one needs.
Useful resources
If you want to learn more about dementia and what live-in dementia care involves, take a look at our handy resources.
- Dementia care at home
- The four main types of dementia
- The signs and symptoms of dementia
- What should you not say to someone with dementia?
Talk to us about your dementia care needs
Our friendly and experienced team is here to help you and your family make sense of the options available to you. Call us today – we will help you every step of the way.
