Advice for carers
Supporting someone with dementia means you walk alongside them with compassion and flexibility. By meeting their changing care needs, you can make a profound difference in their quality of life.
Supporting someone with dementia means you walk alongside them with compassion and flexibility. By meeting their changing care needs, you can make a profound difference in their quality of life.
Caring for someone with dementia involves more than just managing symptoms. It requires understanding, patience and a person-centred approach to support their physical, emotional and social needs.
It is important to learn about their life history, preferences, routines and values, so that you’re able to provide care that is both meaningful and respectful. By being aware of and utilising familiar activities, music or photos, you can provide comfort and reassurance. For more information, see our leveraging life history page.
As dementia progresses, the person with dementia may need help with:
• Personal care, such as bathing and dressing
• Eating and drinking, especially if there are changes in appetite or ease of swallowing
• Managing medications
• Supporting mobility and preventing falls
• Providing incontinence support.
By keeping a calm, consistent routine, you help reduce distress while supporting independence whenever possible.
Understanding that people with dementia may feel anxious, confused or depressed will help you to provide better support. It’s important to:
• Offer reassurance and validation
• Use simple language and supportive non-verbal communication
• Create safe, calm spaces that reduce overstimulation
• Involve the person in decisions to maintain their dignity
Caring for someone with dementia can be demanding, so you also need to care for yourself. You can:
• Seek practical help such as home care or respite care
• Find emotional support through counselling or peer groups
• Turn to health professionals or your Dementia Coordinator for guidance
• For more advice, see our support for carers page