How to Care for Someone Living with Dementia

Caring for a loved one living with dementia presents unique difficulties that require patience, understanding, and specialised knowledge. This article explores essential care principles, practical strategies for daily support, effective communication techniques, and guidance on when to seek professional help.

Whether you're a family member providing care at home or considering future care options, these insights will help you navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.

What Are the Key Principles of Dementia Care?

Understanding the fundamental principles of dementia care forms the foundation for providing compassionate, effective support. The most important principle is maintaining the person's dignity and independence for as long as possible. This means allowing them to make choices about their daily life, respecting their preferences, and supporting their remaining abilities rather than focusing solely on what they can no longer do.

Person-centred care represents another crucial principle. Each individual living with dementia has their own unique history, personality, interests and needs. Getting to know the person behind the condition (their life story, what brings them joy, their fears and preferences ) enables you to provide care that truly reflects who they are. This approach helps maintain their sense of identity and self-worth throughout their journey with dementia.

Flexibility and patience form the third essential principle. Dementia affects each person differently, and symptoms can vary from day to day or even hour to hour. What works one day might not work the next, requiring carers to adapt their approach continuously whilst maintaining a calm, reassuring presence.

How Can You Create a Safe and Supportive Environment?

Creating an environment that promotes safety whilst preserving independence requires thoughtful planning and regular adjustments as the condition progresses. The physical space should be designed to reduce confusion and prevent accidents whilst still feeling like home.

Lighting and Visibility

Good lighting throughout the home reduces shadows and helps prevent falls. Natural daylight helps maintain circadian rhythms, whilst nightlights in hallways and bathrooms provide safe navigation during evening hours. Ensure light switches are easily accessible and consider motion-activated lighting for added convenience.

Simplifying the Living Space

Remove clutter and unnecessary furniture to create clear pathways through rooms. Label cupboards and drawers with both words and pictures to help your loved one find what they need independently. Keep frequently used items visible and within easy reach, storing away objects that might cause confusion.

Safety Modifications

Install grab rails in bathrooms and along stairs to provide additional support. Non-slip mats in the bath and shower prevent falls, whilst removing or securing loose rugs eliminates tripping hazards. Consider locks on areas like cleaning cupboards, but ensure these don't make the person feel trapped or restricted.

What Communication Strategies Work Best?

Effective communication with someone living with dementia requires adjusting your approach to match their changing abilities. Understanding how dementia affects communication helps you maintain meaningful connections even as verbal abilities change.

Speak slowly and clearly, using simple sentences and familiar words. Give the person time to process what you've said and formulate their response – rushing will only increase anxiety and confusion. Maintain eye contact and use gentle touch to establish connection, ensuring your body language conveys warmth and patience.

Non-verbal communication becomes increasingly important as dementia progresses. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical gestures often convey more meaning than words. A warm smile, gentle hand squeeze, or reassuring tone can communicate love and safety when words fail.

When the person struggles to find words or expresses themselves unclearly, focus on the emotion behind their communication rather than correcting errors. Validation and reassurance matter more than accuracy. If they become frustrated, gently redirect the conversation or suggest a calming activity together.

How Do You Manage Difficult Behaviours?

Behaviours that challenge often stem from unmet needs, frustration, or environmental triggers rather than the dementia itself. Understanding the cause helps you respond appropriately and prevent future occurrences.

• Agitation and Restlessness – These behaviours might indicate physical discomfort, boredom, or overstimulation. Check for basic needs like hunger, thirst, or need for the toilet. Provide calming activities such as listening to familiar music or looking through photo albums together.
• Wandering – Rather than simply preventing wandering, understand its purpose. The person might be searching for something, following an old routine, or simply needing exercise. Provide safe opportunities for movement and ensure they wear identification in case they do wander outside.
• Sundowning – Increased confusion and agitation in late afternoon or evening affects many people living with dementia. Maintain consistent daily routines, ensure adequate lighting as daylight fades, and plan calming activities for this challenging time of day.

When Should You Consider Professional Support?

Recognising when additional support is needed protects both you and your loved one's wellbeing. Signs that professional help might benefit your family include exhaustion, safety concerns, or care needs exceeding what can be provided at home.

Professional dementia care, such as that provided at specialist care homes, offers round-the-clock support from trained professionals who understand the complexities of dementia. These environments provide structured routines, therapeutic activities, and medical oversight whilst maintaining a homely atmosphere.

At KYN, we understand that considering professional care represents a significant decision for families. Our approach honours each resident's individuality, providing personalised support that maintains dignity and promotes wellbeing. To learn more about our dementia care expertise and tour our beautiful residences, contact us today. Call +44 (0) 20 4530 7700 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk to discuss how we can support your family's journey.