How to Support a Loved One with Dementia

Supporting a loved one who is suffering from dementia is incredibly difficult but also rewarding. However, it can be hard to know what support they need and how to make the condition manageable.

While many people live safely at home for years after diagnosis, there may come a point when additional support is needed. As the condition progresses, families often find themselves adapting their lives and their care to ensure their loved one continues to live a fulfilling life.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is caused by a decline in brain function, which is why most cases occur in people over 65 years of age.

The symptoms of dementia are usually shown through:

• Memory loss.
• Decline in thinking speed.
• Language difficulties.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Mood changes.
• Difficulty with daily tasks.

These symptoms can progress over time, which is why it is important to understand how to support a loved one through each stage of their condition.

Support in the Early Stages of Dementia

In the early stages of dementia, many people are still able to live independently with some support. During this time, the most important thing you can do is to ensure that they feel understood and supported.

Encourage open conversations about their diagnosis. Many people with dementia feel embarrassed or frightened by their condition. By speaking openly and honestly, you can help to reduce these feelings and ensure that they feel comfortable discussing their needs.

It is also important to involve them in decisions about their care. Whilst they are still able to communicate their wishes clearly, encourage them to discuss their preferences for the future. This will make it much easier to make decisions on their behalf later on.

How To Support at Home

There are a number of practical steps you can take to make their home environment safer and more manageable for them to live safely.

Use reminder notes for important things to remember, such as appointments or medication. Labels are a great way to ensure independence, such as on cupboards. With forgetfulness and mobility issues arising, remove any potential trip hazards that could be forgotten and cause a fall.

Help them to stay organised, as this will make memory loss much easier to deal with. Writing everything onto calendars and organising their medicine into daily boxes will help them to stay on top of their daily tasks without overbearing assistance.

One of the most effective ways to support someone with dementia is through routine and familiarity. Having scheduled family activities every week will greatly help.

When Does Someone Need More Support

Although providing support and care at home is ideal for the early stages, dementia can progress into a condition that requires professional or constant assistance. However, the gradual progression of dementia can make it difficult to know when more support is required.

Their safety is the biggest concern. If your loved one becomes dangerous to themselves, then it is vital that they have more supervision and support. If they begin:

• Wandering or forgetting where they are.
• Forgetting their medication or taking double doses.
• Increased falls.
• Leaving appliances on.

They may also begin to struggle with daily tasks, such as washing, dressing and eating. Their health and hygiene should not be compromised.

Their behavioural changes can also make their home life less safe. If they are not being provided with support to manage these behavioural symptoms, it could lead to a faster progression of their dementia. Be aware of significant increases in:

• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Aggression.
• Lack of sleep.
• Social withdrawal.

One of the biggest signs that your loved one requires professional support is when family carers become overwhelmed. Supporting someone with dementia can quickly become a full-time responsibility. If you are caring for your loved one and you are becoming overworked and exhausted, it is time to seek help.

Dementia Care in a Home

Choosing residential care does not mean you have stopped caring or no longer want responsibility for their care. It means recognising that your loved one now needs specialist support that you are unable to provide safely at home. But you may be wondering what support a care home can provide for dementia residents.

Care assistants and nurses will be dementia-trained and fully qualified. This means that they will understand dementia behaviours from a medical and first-hand experience perspective. They will understand how to communicate and how to preserve their independence as much as possible.

Dementia care facilities will be purpose-built. This means that the building itself will be much more suited to a person with dementia than a normal house. All of these additions help to boost independent movement in a safe and controlled way, whilst reducing confusion:

• Clear signage.
• Bright, contrasting colours.
• Uncluttered, calm environments.
• Secure doors and outdoor spaces.

Care homes will also feature strict routines and lots of scheduled activities. These activities are often tailored for cognitive stimulation and social interaction, both of which are perfect for reducing the symptoms and progression of dementia.

Residents will also receive personalised care plans that will target symptoms and changes individual to them. This way, their care will be suited to their individual needs alongside their preferences, such as hobbies, sleep schedule and previous routines.

How To Support a Loved One in Care

A lot of people struggle with moving their loved one into a care facility. However, there are some simple ways to support them during this new chapter of their life.

Ensure they are involved during the whole process. Whilst they may be suffering from confusion, keeping them in the loop will make the situation much more understandable. By visiting potential care homes together, they will better understand the process and be able to give their own preferences. Speaking positively about the move and not framing it as permanent will help to reduce their anxiety.

The most important way to support your loved one in dementia care is to establish a regular but realistic visiting schedule. Doing so will help to transition between their previous life and this newfound community.

Supporting someone with dementia is a journey that changes over time. While many families begin by providing care at home, there may come a stage when specialist support offers the safest and most comfortable environment for everyone involved. Whatever stage you’re at, understanding your loved one’s needs, maintaining open communication, and seeking support when it’s needed can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.