Caring for a Parent or Loved One with Dementia

 

When a parent or loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can feel like your world has changed overnight. From coping with memory loss and confusion to helping with daily routines, the journey ahead can be challenging. 

This guide is packed with hands-on strategies and advice to help you navigate the challenges of daily care, access the right support and confidently plan for what’s ahead. 

What is Dementia?

 

Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting the brain, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.

 

According to the NHS, dementia is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. Symptoms progress over time and can include: 

 

• Memory loss and disorientation
• Losing aspects of one’s personality like empathy
• Difficulty with language and speaking

 

How to Communicate with Someone who Has Dementia

 

As dementia progresses, communication becomes more difficult. Here are some strategies that can help:

 

• Use simple, short sentences and speak slowly
• Keep a calm tone and gentle body language
• Make eye contact and reduce background noise
• Don’t test their memory or argue if they get things wrong
• Offer reassurance through touch, facial expressions or familiar items
• Consider making a memory album or book with photos or key life events to help revisit cherished moments and support memory recall

 

 

How Can I Support Someone With Dementia?

 

Creating a calm, well-organised environment can help someone with dementia feel more secure and less overwhelmed.

 

Establish a predictable routine

 

A familiar daily routine can reduce anxiety and help your loved one feel more in control.

 

• Keep meals, activities and bedtimes at the same time each day
• Use visual timetables or whiteboards to show what’s happening when
• Start the day with a consistent morning routine like breakfast, TV and getting dressed

 

Simplify the home environment

 

Making the space easier to navigate can help reduce stress, prevent falls and promote independence.

 

• Keep walkways clear and get rid of any trip hazards
• Label cupboard doors or use pictures to show what’s inside
• Install warm, consistent lighting to reduce shadows
• Keep frequently used items in plain sight or easy-to-reach drawers to support daily independence

 

Use memory aids and reminders

 

Visible cues can help reduce confusion and help your loved one stay orientated throughout the day.

 

• Stick Post-it notes on doors, appliances or cupboards e.g. “Turn off the hob”
• Use reminder apps for medications and appointments
• Set up a consistent spot by the front door, or in the hallway, for keys, calendar, wallet and glasses

 

Use assistive technology to support safety

 

There are a growing number of devices that can help someone with dementia in their day-to-day life.

 

• Automatic pill dispensers that alert and release the correct dose
• GPS trackers or wearable personal alarms like those offered by HelpAlert 
• Large digital clocks showing the time, day and part of the day e.g. Monday morning
• Smart speakers that respond to spoken commands
• Smart doorbells that allow you to see and speak to whoever’s at the door

 

HelpAlert’s personal alarms even allow you to set up safe zones with GPS tracking devices. You define the zone on a digital map and if your loved one wanders beyond the boundary, our 24/7 response team is alerted and notifies you.

 

 

Try memory cafés and day centres

 

Community services offer you meaningful connection, stimulation and a break for carers.

 

• Memory cafés provide friendly, informal spaces to talk and connect with others
• Day centres can offer structured activities, specialist dementia care and respite from caring responsibilities
• Ask your GP or local council about services available in your area

 

 

 

Financial and Legal Planning

 

Planning ahead, while your loved one still has mental capacity, gives them the opportunity to make their own choices for the future.

 

Managing money and bills

 

If you’re stepping into supporting your loved one with financial management for the first time, start by gathering all key documents and storing them in a safe but accessible place. These include:

 

• Bank and building society statements
• Pension and benefits information
• Utility and service provider details
• Insurance policies
• Will and Power of Attorney documents

 

If they don’t want to do this, contact their service providers - be it energy companies or telephone and broadband providers - tell them your loved one has dementia and give them an alternative contact number. 

This can prevent series from being disconnected or enforcement action due to unpaid bills. 

If they still have mental capacity, some banks may allow them to set-up a third party mandate or issue a letter of authority, allowing you to manage transactions or access information related to the account. 

A third party mandate or standard letter of authority only remains valid while the person has mental capacity. Once the account holder loses capacity, these arrangements no longer apply. 

At that point only a Lasting Power of Attorney or Court of Protection deputyship gives you the legal right to act on their behalf. 

 

Making future legal and healthcare decisions

The earlier you can help your loved one make important decisions, the better. Here are some things to consider:

 

• Make or update a will
• Set up a Lasting Power of Attorney for health/welfare and finances
• Consider an Advance Decision (living will) to record treatment refusals

 

Looking After Yourself as a Carer

 

Caring for someone with dementia is a long-term commitment and it’s important to remember that your own health and wellbeing matter too. 

 

• Recognise and accept difficult emotions like guilt or sadness
• Reach out to your GP or local council for help
• Join a carer’s group for shared support
• Take breaks via respite care or help from family and friends

 

End of Life Care

 

Dementia is a progressive condition and, over time, could require palliative care. It can be a really difficult topic to approach but having open conversations can ensure your loved one’s wishes are understood and respected.

 

• Prioritise comfort with familiar surroundings and personal items
• Doctors and district nurses can coordinate palliative care
• Document preferences such as resuscitation and place of care

 

How HelpAlert Can Help

 

Caring for someone with dementia can be unpredictable, but with a HelpAlert personal alarm, you don’t have to do it alone.

 

 

Our easy-to-use devices offer 24/7 access to our UK-based emergency response team, automatic fall detection and GPS tracking—giving you comfort in knowing your loved one is always supported, even when you can’t be there.

 

 

If you’d like to explore our full range of features, you can visit our website or call us on 01273 055049 to speak to a member of our friendly team.