Dementia is more than just memory loss. It’s a complex condition that affects cognition, behavior, and daily functioning. For families, the journey of caregiving often brings immense emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of dementia care, Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre offers a 7-Day Inpatient Dementia Assessment and Management Programme (DAMS), a one-of-a-kind initiative designed to provide holistic care for both patients and their families.
Why Dementia Care Needs a Multidisciplinary Approach?
Managing dementia effectively is not just about diagnosing the condition. Patients with dementia often face cognitive impairments and behavioral changes that ripple into every aspect of their lives. Add to this the stress, burnout, and uncertainty faced by caregivers, and it becomes clear why a multidisciplinary approach is essential.
At Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre, dementia care involves a team of specialists—including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers—working together to address every dimension of the condition.
Programme Highlights:
A Comprehensive System of Care
The 7-Day Programme offers a structured plan to evaluate and manage dementia comprehensively:
Neuropsychological Assessment
A cornerstone of the programme, this evaluation identifies the patient’s level of cognitive decline. Clinical psychologists assess memory, reasoning, attention, and problem-solving abilities. This step is crucial in understanding the progression and staging of dementia, allowing the care team to craft an individualized plan.
Psychiatric and Medical Care
Dementia often comes with other conditions like depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Psychiatrists address these co-morbidities to ensure holistic health management, tailoring treatments to the patient’s unique needs.
Caregiver Psychoeducation
Caregivers are provided with practical guidance to manage daily caregiving responsibilities, such as communicating effectively with the patient and handling challenging behaviors. Emotional resilience training helps families navigate the psychological toll of caregiving.
Family Support Groups
These sessions create a supportive environment where caregivers can share experiences, gain insights, and learn coping strategies. Such groups foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Guidance on Ethical and Legal Issues
Dementia care often involves navigating sensitive topics like end-of-life care, ethical decisions, and financial planning, including drafting wills. Vazhikatti’s team provides expert guidance, ensuring families feel confident in their decision-making.
How the Programme Transforms Lives:
Over 22 years’ experience of treating 600+ persons with dementia as In-Patients and supporting their families, has now evolved into a pragmatic program called DAMS - Dementia Assessment and Management Solutions. Caregivers leave empowered, equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle the evolving demands of dementia. Patients benefit from a dignified and compassionate approach that prioritizes their quality of life.
By addressing the gaps often seen in traditional dementia care, this programme ensures that families are not left to navigate the journey alone. It provides a roadmap for effective management, emotional support, and long-term planning.
Bridging the Gaps in Dementia Care
Neurologists and medical practitioners play a vital role in diagnosing dementia, but the journey does not end there. Vazhikatti’s multidisciplinary model bridges the gap between diagnosis and ongoing care. By offering a comprehensive solution, it ensures that every patient receives the support they deserve while caregivers are equipped to face challenges with resilience.
A Call for Compassionate Dementia Care
Dementia is a condition that affects the whole family, not just the individual. Through its 7-Day Programme, Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre brings hope and practical solutions to those facing this challenging journey. Whether it’s through advanced assessments, emotional support, or guidance on ethical dilemmas, the programme exemplifies the power of holistic care.
For families and caregivers, this approach is a reminder that they are not alone—and that even in the face of dementia, there is always a way forward.
To get professional help from one of the best dementia treatment centre in Coimbatore, call 89408 00500.
