What is the role of supportive therapy for helping people with dementia?
As well as clinicians people with dementia can often benefit from different types of therapists who can help out with different kinds of care. Some of these are:
- Speech-language pathologist – helps with communication and swallowing
- Physical therapy – can conduct home safety evaluations, help with balance to help your loved one get around and reduce their risk of falling
- Occupational therapy – can perform a variety of tasks including helping with similar things to speech-language pathologists and physical therapists.
- Dieticians/nutritionists – can help identify the right diet your loved one needs that will support them with their medical needs.
- Music therapists – music has been recognized as being very beneficial for people with dementia so working with a music therapist can help in your loved ones care
- Art/recreation therapists – similar to music therapy art and recreation therapists can help you manage the needs and care of your loved one as well as providing structured activities for your loved one to engage with.
Just like with their doctors you should keep a list of each of the people involved in your loved one’s care and any questions that you have for them.
