All About Dementia Care: How to Support Your Loved One

At De Luxe Retirement Home, residents receive expert dementia care tailored to their needs.

Forgetting names occasionally, taking longer to recall information, or needing more time to learn new things are normal signs of aging. These changes can be frustrating but generally do not disrupt daily life. But when is this considered dementia?

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, cognition, and daily functioning. As it advances, helping someone with dementia can become increasingly challenging, requiring specialized care and attention.

Whether you’re considering dementia care at home, a specialized care centre, or a retirement house, understanding your options is crucial in ensuring the best quality of life for your loved one.

This guide explores dementia care in Malaysia, key considerations for caregivers, and why De Luxe Retirement Home provides compassionate, expert care for seniors with cognitive decline.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition¹ that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is not a single disease but a syndrome caused by various brain disorders, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Common symptoms of dementia:

✅ Memory loss – Difficulty recalling names, events, or familiar places.

✅ Confusion and disorientation – Struggling with time, location, and daily routines.

✅ Difficulty with language – Trouble finding words or following conversations.

✅ Mood and personality changes – Increased anxiety, depression, aggression, or withdrawal.

✅ Impaired judgment – Poor decision-making, leading to safety risks.

Causes and risk factors

Dementia occurs due to damage to brain cells, disrupting communication between neurons. Key risk factors include aging, family history, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and head injuries. While there is no cure, early intervention, structured dementia care, and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression.

What Is the Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia?

Unlike normal aging, dementia causes severe cognitive decline² that interferes with a person’s ability to function independently at home, at work, or in social settings.

Key Differences Between Normal Aging and Dementia

Aspect	Normal Aging	Dementia
Memory Loss	Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.	Forgetting familiar names, faces, or recent events and not recalling them later.
Problem-Solving	Slight delays in solving complex tasks but still managing independently.	Difficulty planning, solving problems, or following a familiar recipe.
Language Skills	Sometimes struggling to find the right word but remembering later.	Frequently forgetting simple words, making it hard to hold a conversation.
Judgment & Decision-Making	Occasionally making a poor decision, such as forgetting to pay a bill.	Consistently making poor financial or personal decisions, such as giving away large sums of money.
Daily Tasks	Needing reminders for appointments but still completing daily routines.	Struggling with familiar tasks like cooking, driving, or managing medications.
Awareness of Changes	Recognizes and adjusts to memory lapses.	Often unaware of memory loss and may deny or minimize symptoms.

Source: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/worried-about-memory-problems/is-it-getting-older-or-dementia

What is dementia care?

Dementia care refers to a structured approach to supporting individuals experiencing cognitive decline. It involves:

✅ Medical management to monitor cognitive function and overall health.

✅ Personalized assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.

✅ Cognitive therapies such as memory exercises and music therapy.

✅ Emotional and behavioral support to reduce agitation and confusion.

In Malaysia, over 204,000 seniors are estimated to be living with dementia¹, a number projected to rise in the coming decades. Dementia care is available through various options, including at-home care, specialized dementia day care centres, and residential old folks homes that cater to seniors with memory loss.

Dementia care in Malaysia

1. Dementia care at home

Providing dementia care at home allows seniors to remain in a familiar environment, which can reduce confusion and anxiety. Home care services may include:

• Professional caregivers assisting with daily tasks.

• Medication reminders and monitoring.

• Cognitive therapy activities to slow memory decline.

This can be overwhelming for family caregivers. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends structured interventions, including caregiver training, to ensure the best care³.

2. Dementia day care centres

A dementia day care centre provides structured daytime support for seniors while allowing family members to maintain their daily routines. Benefits include:

✅ Social engagement through group activities.

✅ Cognitive therapy to maintain memory function.

✅ Professional supervision to prevent wandering and accidents.

3. Specialized retirement homes

For seniors with advanced dementia, many retirement houses offer 24/7 medical supervision and specialized therapies. These facilities provide:

• Trained caregivers to assist with daily activities.

• Safety measures to prevent falls and wandering.

• On-site healthcare services for dementia-related complications.

Cognitive exercises at De Luxe Retirement Home help seniors retain memory and social skills. Photo by Matthias Zomer

Helping someone with dementia: Practical tips for caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Here are some practical tips to improve their quality of life:

Aspect	Tips for Caregivers	Benefits
Communication	- Speak slowly and clearly. - Use short, simple sentences. - Maintain eye contact.	- Reduces confusion - Helps them feel understood
Daily Routine	- Keep a consistent schedule for meals and activities. - Minimize sudden changes in routine.	- Reduces anxiety - Enhances stability and predictability
Safety Measures	- Remove trip hazards (e.g., rugs, clutter). - Install grab bars in bathrooms. - Use locks or alarms for wandering prevention.	- Prevents accidents - Enhances independence
Engagement Activities	- Encourage music, art, and storytelling. - Provide memory-stimulating puzzles or games. - Engage in light physical activities.	- Improves mood - Strengthens cognitive function
Self-Care for Caregivers	- Take breaks and ask for support. - Join caregiver support groups. - Consider dementia care at home or respite services.	- Prevents burnout - Improves caregiving quality

Choosing the best dementia care in Malaysia

When selecting a dementia care centre, consider:

✔ Specialized dementia programs with trained caregivers.

✔ Safety measures to prevent wandering and injuries.

✔ Personalized care plans for individual needs.

✔ Engaging activities to promote cognitive health.

✔ Proximity to family and healthcare facilities.

At De Luxe Retirement Home, we provide:

• Dementia day care services for families needing daytime support.

• Long-term dementia care for advanced cases.

• Skilled nursing care with medication monitoring and mobility assistance.

Secure the best care for your loved one today!

Finding the right dementia care is essential for your loved one's well-being. De Luxe Retirement Home in Petaling Jaya provides professional and compassionate care tailored to each resident’s needs.

📞 Call us today at 012-2913336 [Available via WhatsApp (preferred)/ Call] to schedule a visit and learn more about our dementia care programs!

📍 Put your trust in an established elder care nursing home in Petaling Jaya.