Dementia
Around 100,000 people in Flanders have dementia. But what exactly is dementia? How do you deal with it and how can you best help? Discover here what Helan can do for you and the people close to you.
What is dementia?
Dementia is not a disease in its own right. It is a gradual process in which the brain slowly deteriorates. Because your brain no longer works properly, your quality of life declines.
Dementia comes in different forms, and there are dozens of diseases in which dementia can occur. In 70% of cases it involves Alzheimer's disease.
Today, 1 in 5 Belgians is at risk of developing dementia. Unfortunately, there is still no cure. And because we are all living longer, the number of people diagnosed is rising. Dementia is therefore a considerable challenge for our society.
Symptoms of dementia
Dementia develops in different stages and follows a different course for everyone. Depending on the stage, different symptoms come to the fore. The main symptoms are:
Would you like to be sure that it is dementia? Make an appointment with a dementia specialist. Clarity helps. Always.
"My grandfather goes to the same supermarket every week with his caregiver. He doesn't remember what he needs anymore. But he still knows where everything is."
A selection of our care services
Dementia changes a lot. But not the interests you have, or the habits you had. With the right support, people with dementia keep doing what's theirs. Helan helps with that
Home care
Our professional carers come to your home and lend a helping hand. With personal care, but also with household and administrative tasks. For a short or a longer period.
Dementia support
Our dementia specialists help people with dementia stay independent for as long as possible. They provide information and advice, and look at the financial, administrative and practical options together with you.
Occupational therapy guidance
All our occupational therapists are trained as dementia specialists. They look at how to make it easier to keep living safely at home. A talking clock, a colour code on cupboards, or adapted lighting. Small adjustments that make daily life safer without anyone losing their independence.
More about occupational therapy guidance
Care shop
Everything to make dementia more manageable can be found in our Care shop. From books to adapted clocks. Helan Health Fund customers get great discounts and benefits.
Advance care planning
Who gets to decide when you can no longer do so yourself? A Helan dementia expert helps you draw up a care plan that fits who you are. That way, your family won't have to guess later. And you can already feel at ease now.
Help for the family caregiver
Caring for someone with dementia is hard. Helan also offers support for family caregivers. With advice, practical help, and a listening ear. Because when you're doing well, the people around you do better too.
Temporary care options
Temporary care for people with care needs who live at home. A wide range of short stays, care stays and day or night care. Including advice to help you make the right choice.
Personal alarm system
Extra safety so you can live at home for as long as possible. With a choice of different options, so your system fits your current needs and your lifestyle as closely as possible.
Non-urgent patient transport
A doctor's appointment, a day-care centre, a hospital visit. For people with dementia, getting around isn't always straightforward. Patient transport through Helan takes people with dementia safely and comfortably from door to door.
Practical questions and answers
Until recently, specialists mainly relied on changes in behaviour to diagnose dementia. But the symptoms of dementia can be very subtle. And they often look like the normal changes that come with getting older. To make the right diagnosis, medical imaging and biomarkers are used today. These point to changes in the cerebrospinal fluid or the blood. That gives a clearer picture.
Always treat the person with dementia as a full human being. Speak slowly, in a calm tone, and keep your message simple. Do not point out mistakes or shortcomings, but try to put yourself in the other person's world. Is the person with dementia reacting aggressively or suspiciously? Or do certain tasks not seem to work straight away? Stay calm, show understanding and tackle things together. Because together you are stronger. Through trial and error.
Depending on the stage the person with dementia is in, it can become increasingly difficult for them to look after themselves. That is why the support of informal carers is so badly needed. Family, friends, volunteers. Together with social workers, they can talk to the person with dementia. About today and tomorrow. About the care and tailored help they would like. Helan offers support for people with dementia and those around them too. That way, together, we make sure things become or stay manageable.
All our social workers are trained dementia specialists. Have you been diagnosed yourself, or are you caring for someone with dementia? You can come to us free of charge for advice, support and tailored services. This can range from home care, a home sitting service and practical aids to applying for allowances and benefits. Do give us a nudge. You are not on your own.
Dementia is a process that develops slowly but surely. The condition causes irreversible damage to the brain. Unfortunately, there is still no cure. So it will not get better, but there are treatments that can slow the process down. These only work at the onset of symptoms. That is why an early diagnosis is so important.
The chance that your parents will face dementia sooner or later is high. As a son or daughter, you want to help them. But they are not always keen on that!
Benefits and reimbursements
Helan supports you with attractive benefits and reimbursements. A selection of what we offer: