How To Support Someone Living With Dementia

If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, knowing how to offer support can make things easier for you both. So, here are a few tips to help you best support your friend or family member as they live with the disease.

Understanding

Living with dementia can be distressing for the affected person, as well as their friends and family. Communication may become more difficult as the disease progresses. So, it is good practice to speak slowly and clearly. Repeat information where necessary while using physical touch for reassurance. Your loved one may feel embarrassed or upset when struggling to communicate. So, most importantly, remain calm, friendly, and patient.

A Mindful Environment

Did you know that your loved one’s environment can greatly impact their mental and physical health? For example, your loved one with dementia might be sensitive to sensory inputs like loud sounds, complex TV shows, or even reflections. What can seem like a regular sight or sound to you, might quickly cause distress for your loved one. So, keep your loved one’s surroundings as calm and peaceful as possible, and keep a close eye on them as they go about their daily routine. If any sights or sounds seem to cause a negative reaction, promptly make any necessary changes.

Also, as dementia progresses, many people may find it harder to walk, balance, and manoeuvre through their living space. This can make navigating dimly lit or cluttered areas difficult or even dangerous. With your loved one’s safety in mind, switch old light bulbs for brighter ones, and keep the areas they frequent neat and tidy. If you’d like some assistance with cleaning, home help services can ensure their living space always stays well-kept.

Maintain a Routine

If your loved one with dementia is having trouble with recollection, routine is essential. Keep things like reading glasses, TV remotes, and mobile phones in the same place. And avoid rearranging rooms and moving belongings unless absolutely necessary. Creating stability where certain activities occur at a specific time of day may also help your loved one feel a sense of control. For example, a walk at 10 a.m. or a cup of tea at 2 p.m. every day will help keep your loved one calm and make it easier for them to predict what’s coming next.

Ask for Help

Years ago, it was all too common for people with dementia to live their post-diagnosis life in a residential care facility. And sadly, this transition would often lead the disease to worsen quickly. Thankfully, these days, plenty of resources are available to help your loved one live a happy and healthy life at home.

In the early stages, home care services can assist with light domestic duties and gardening, allowing your loved one the space to relax. If the disease progresses, your loved one may need help with personal care, transport, or more in-depth domestic care, all of which a home care provider can offer. So, don’t be afraid to utilise the available services (even through government funding!) and ask for help when help is needed.

Do you have a loved one living with dementia who could use a helping hand? Here at Simply Helping, we provide a great range of flexible home care services for people with dementia. Click here to learn more, and contact us today.

*Updated February 2024