Caring for a Loved One with Dementia at Home

Deciding on dementia home care for a loved one is a significant step. Although every situation is different, caring for someone with dementia means being sensitive to their needs while developing coping skills for caregivers.

Although dementia care at home can be a challenge, it’s ultimately a rewarding way to support your loved one as their condition progresses. 

How does dementia affect someone’s daily life?

With dementia, it’s essential to remember that symptoms progress at varying rates, and not everyone will experience the same difficulties with everyday life. As the condition progresses, however, your loved one may need more help with day-to-day tasks such as: 

  • Personal care: A person with dementia may require additional assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, dressing, and taking medication. Our personal care services are here to help. 
  • Life management: Caring for a parent or family member with dementia at home might include general housework, keeping appointments and managing finances as the disease progresses. A domestic care assistant can help with essential everyday tasks.
  • Isolation and loss of enjoyment: Your loved one may struggle to communicate, engage in exercise, or travel. They may lose interest in activities they once loved, such as reading or watching TV. We’ll be happy to help you meet your loved one’s physical care needs.

Can I be a caregiver for a loved one with dementia on my own?

In the early stages of dementia, many people continue to live at home. However, as symptoms progress, your family member may require additional support to look after themselves and their home.

It is possible to undertake dementia care at home yourself, but it can be stressful. It’s easy to overlook your own needs, which can lead to burnout and a feeling of being unable to cope.  It’s essential to share your feelings and emotions and receive appropriate support from carers’ groups, online support groups or day centres.

Our dementia homecare services are designed to enhance your loved one’s lifestyle while giving you the respite you need to recharge your batteries.

How can I make my home safer for someone with dementia?

As a caregiver, you should remove everyday hazards so your loved one can move around their home safely and independently. Here are some simple changes dementia caregivers can take:

  • Mark the edges of steps and stairs with bright tape and ensure handrails are securely in place.
  • Clear trip hazards, such as electrical cords or rugs.
  • Use safety plugs and latches to minimise accidents.
  • Store cleaning products, matches, and other hazardous items securely.
  • Ensure all interior and exterior spaces have adequate lighting.

At what point should someone with dementia not live alone?

Every person’s situation is different. But your loved one may need to move into care or get support at home because it’s no longer possible to give them the right level of support. This may be because:

  • Their needs have changed, and they require continuous care
  • You become ill or are unable to cope
  • Your loved one is no longer safe at home or can’t manage daily tasks without support
  • Their needs become too challenging

What daily routines work best for someone with dementia?

Daily routines are a good way to minimise anxiety. Because the disease causes short-term memory loss, daily routines help people navigate the world with security and predictability. 

If you’re caring for a dementia patient, try these tips to create a stable routine:

  • Stay the same, but be open to change: Tailor your daily routine to your loved one’s preferences, and be flexible enough to adjust it if they seem bored or irritable. 
  • Let them help with everyday tasks: Allowing your loved one to help with everyday tasks reinforces their sense of self-worth and helps maintain a sense of purpose and order.
  • Include a sense of time: Opening or closing the curtains at the same time, or watching a favourite TV show can help to create the security your loved one needs.
  • Use therapeutic activities: Taking a walk, doing chair yoga, gardening or listening to music are all safe and fulfilling activities that are pleasurable and may stir memories.

How do I talk to someone with dementia without causing frustration?

If language abilities become affected, communication can become difficult. Your loved one can become agitated or even angry. Reassure them and calm their fears. Take the time to listen and show you understand. 

Encourage two-way communication for as long as possible. Use treasured objects and photographs as prompts, but try to avoid saying “do you remember?” If words are difficult, try distracting them with a favourite photo album or book.  Always respect a loved one’s personal space, and build quiet times into your daily routine. 

What help and support is available for dementia carers?

Taking on the responsibility of how to care for dementia elderly at home can be daunting. You’ll probably have questions, such as how to care for someone with dementia or how much in-home dementia care costs when you need a break.

It’s important to know that there’s plenty of help available:

Our homecare services for dementia patients are designed with your loved one’s dignity and well-being in mind. To find out how much our home care services cost, get in touch with our team.

Dementia homecare services from Nuliving

At Nuliving, we offer high-quality home care for dementia patients in North Yorkshire and Cumbria. To find out more about our in-home care services, please get in touch with our supportive team today, and we’ll be happy to help.

Interested in finding out more about specialist home care from Nuliving Homecare? Speak to one of our expert care advisers.

Contact us