How to Care for Someone Living With Dementia at Home

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a global health concern, with an estimated 50 million people worldwide living with the condition. Knowing more about dementia can help you better support a person with the condition.  There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is the most common, followed by vascular dementia.

It is important to realise that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, not just an older person's disease, and it is not just about forgetting things. It is a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain, which can include memory loss, changes in behaviour, communication difficulties, and confusion with daily tasks. These symptoms can get worse over time, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms and maintain mental function for longer. Unfortunately, there is no current cure for dementia.

Receiving and Coping With a Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be upsetting or a relief if you or a loved one has been struggling for a while. It can be difficult to accept or process the information, which is completely understandable. Read our article about how to get a dementia diagnosis for more information on navigating the process.

It is important to remember that it is possible to enjoy life with dementia, and implementing the right support and guidance can result in living well and being active.

Supporting Someone With Dementia at Home

Where Carers Can Find Support

If you are supporting someone with dementia, the first step is realising that you are not alone. There are nearly one million people currently living with dementia in the UK, and this figure is set to rise to over 1,400,000 by 2040 due to increasing life expectancy. Approximately 1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia during their life, whether as a carer or sufferer. Support is available, and there are things you can do to help you cope.

Informing Your GP

It is a good idea to tell your GP that you are now caring for someone who has dementia. This means you can register as a ‘carer’ and get access to:

• An advocate
• A carer’s assessment
• Free annual health checks and vaccinations
• Supporting letters or information if you apply for carer benefits

It is important to seek support for yourself as a caregiver by contacting local groups or community centres that run dementia cafes or day centres. You can also look for online resources, forums, and support groups that can provide a sympathetic ear or tips when you need them.

The Stages of Dementia

Caring for a person with dementia can be challenging, but also a rewarding experience as you learn new skills while helping someone who is important to you. Understanding how dementia develops and what may happen in the future can help you adjust, support the person better, and plan ahead.

Everyone’s experience of dementia is different, but it can be helpful to think of the way that dementia progresses as a series of stages:

• Early stage: maintaining independence and cognitive function
• Middle stage: structured routines, visual cues, and more assistance with daily tasks
• Late stage: increased physical care, safety adaptations and full-time support

Once you understand how dementia progresses, it can be helpful to know how best to provide support at each stage.

How to Support a Loved One Through the Stages

Early Stages

Supporting a loved one in the early stages of dementia at home involves creating a safe and supportive environment for them to navigate daily life with ease and support the person to maintain skills, abilities and an active social life.

This is the time to help them get everything in order:

• Make legal, financial and long-term plans
• Ensure essential documents are easy to locate
• Put a written care plan in place
• Identify an emergency contact and a named coordinator for support
• Create a living will, power of attorney for finances and healthcare, and expression of wish form

Alongside practical long-term planning, prioritise emotional and physical wellbeing:

• Encourage fresh air, exercise, and social activities
• Promote music or singing, which can boost mood and stimulate the brain
• Seek dementia-friendly community activities such as cinema screenings or leisure sessions

Adapting the home environment:

• Improving lighting, and remove clutter or trip hazards
• Use clear signage with words and pictures
• Place photos on kitchen cupboards/drawers
• Create storyboards of daily routines
• Use large print for instructions and reminders

Assistive technology:

• Reminder devices
• Automatic light sensors
• Emergency response pendants or bracelets
• GPS phone or shoe trackers, telephones
• Simple telephones or remotes
• A key safe for safe, prompt access by carers or emergency services

Middle Stages

In the middle stages, symptoms become more noticeable and the person will need more support.

Routines and nutrition:

• Establish a consistent daily routine for meals, activities and bedtime
• Provide well-balanced meals, finger foods, or smaller portions if needed
• Ensure hydration and monitor appetite

Managing rest and stimulation:

• Schedule rest or quiet time to avoid overstimulation
• Reduce agitation with calming activities or napping
• Use tactile aids like fidget blankets, sensory balls or worry beads

These moments can also give family or friends the opportunity to step in, giving carers short, regular breaks.

Late Stages

As dementia progresses, specialist care may be required. In late stages, your loved one will require full-time support with eating, washing, dressing and personal care.

Planning ahead ensures their wishes are respected and their dignity maintained.

Caring for Yourself as a Carer

It is important to remember that your needs as a carer are as important as the person you're caring for. Caring for a partner, relative or close friend with dementia is demanding and can be stressful.

Practical support for carers:

Remember, caring for someone with dementia is a journey that no one has to face alone - support is available for both you and your loved one.