Is It Possible to Provide Dementia Care at Home?

Home care for people living dementia involves looking after the individual in the comfort of their own home. This approach allows those living with dementia to stay in their familiar environment, which can be of great assistance to both them and their caregivers. It can also provide valuable comfort and reassurance.   Caring for someone living with dementia at home is often possible in the earlier stages of the condition. Their loved ones may take on the primary role of caregiver, or they may hire professional carers. However, as symptoms progress, there may come a time when they would benefit from round-the-clock support. If so, the individual and their family may wish to look into residential dementia care.

What Does Dementia Care at Home Involve?

Providing Dementia care at home involves a multifaceted and tailored approach to support the person in their familiar environment. The goal is to ensure safety, promote mental and physical wellbeing and maintain the highest possible quality of life.

Providing Dementia care at home may involve:  

•  Safety measures: Modifying the home to make it safer and more accessible. This might include removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and using alarms if needed.
•  Assistance with daily activities: Providing help with personal hygiene, dressing, and other day-to-day tasks.
•   Nutrition and meal preparation: Ensuring that the individual is receiving nutritious meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences.
•  Cognitive and physical stimulation: Engaging in activities that are meaningful and stimulating, such as hobbies, puzzles, or gentle exercises to maintain mental and physical health.
•  Emotional support and companionship: Offering companionship and emotional support to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, which can be common in people living with dementia.
•  Medical care: Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure proper medical care is being administered. This may include arranging regular check-ups, managing medications and monitoring symptoms.  

Depending on the person’s individual needs, family situation and care budget, their loved ones may choose to take on the role of carer. Alternatively, professional in-home care services might be employed. This may range from periodic visits by a nurse or therapist to full-time live-in care.  

How Can We Create a Dementia-Friendly Environment at Home?

When providing dementia care in your own home, creating a dementia-friendly environment is crucial in helping individuals live as safely and independently as possible. It also fosters a sense of comfort by making the home environment familiar and easy to navigate, ultimately making life more manageable.   By making simple adaptations that reduce confusion and risks, the home can become a supportive space that caters to the person's changing needs and abilities.

This may involve simple changes like using clear signage, removing clutter and tripping hazards, and ensuring good lighting. It can also involve more significant modifications, such as installing alarms and monitoring systems, and adapting the home to accommodate mobility aids. 

It’s also important to consider sensory stimulation and relaxation. This may involve using calming colours and patterns, playing soothing music, and incorporating familiar objects and photos. It can also help to create quiet spaces for relaxation and areas for engaging activities.

How Can We Tailor Dementia Care to Individual Needs?

Dementia affects different people in different ways, which is why it's essential to tailor care to the individual's unique needs. This applies both to residents living in dementia care homes and those receiving dementia home care.

Personalised Approach to Care

Developing a care plan that is specific to the individual's needs, type and stage of dementia, preferences, and daily routine is essential. This personalised approach ensures that the care provided is as effective and beneficial as possible. It involves understanding the individual's history, routines, abilities and difficulties, as well as their symptoms and prognosis, and incorporating these into their care.  

In this way, personalised care helps preserve a sense of identity, dignity and autonomy, which is particularly important for individuals living with dementia. It is about respecting the individual as a unique person, rather than merely considering their symptoms.

Continual Assessment and Adjustment

As dementia progresses, the individual's needs and abilities may change. Therefore, it's essential to continually assess and adjust their care plan as needed. This involves regular communication with the person living with dementia, their family, carers and medical professionals to ensure the best support possible.  

Some individuals living with dementia will eventually reach a stage where living at home is no longer possible or practical. When this time comes, dementia care homes can provide a safe, supportive environment, offering round-the-clock medical and personal care.  

At KYN, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding, personalised care for our residents living with dementia. We work closely with individuals and their families to create holistic care plans based on their unique needs.

How Can We Continue to Engage with Someone Living with Dementia?

Continuing to engage with someone living with dementia through hobbies and interests can keep them active and stimulated, and help you find new ways of connecting. It can also help to maintain a sense of normality and enjoyment, which can contribute to their overall wellbeing.

Here are some tips:  

• Focus on activities and conversations that align with their interests, hobbies, and abilities. 
• Create a calm, structured environment without too much noise or distraction, keeping routines consistent where possible.
• Use clear and simple language, visual cues, and gentle touch to communicate. Give them time to respond and be patient and reassuring.
• Encourage participation in daily tasks, like setting the table or folding laundry. Even simple involvement can provide a sense of purpose and routine.
• Use evidence-based therapies and techniques, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, to encourage mental stimulation.
• Promote physical activity: gentle exercises or walks can be beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing.
• Encourage social connections with family, friends, or community groups to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

By focusing on their unique needs, preferences, and abilities, and approaching engagement with patience, creativity, and empathy, you can continue to have meaningful interactions and enhance your loved one’s quality of life.

The Importance of Support for Loved Ones and Carers

Caring for someone with dementia at home is a complex and demanding task that often places significant emotional, physical, and financial strains on families and carers. If you are caring for a loved one living with dementia, it's important to recognise that seeking support for yourself is vital for your own wellbeing as well as theirs.  

Taking time for yourself and seeking assistance can reduce the stress and physical demands of caregiving. This might include finding respite care, joining a support group, or engaging in talking therapy.  

At KYN, we aim to support families and loved ones of our residents living with dementia in any way we can. This includes providing resources, advice, and emotional support with the help of our own Dementia Lead.

Experience Outstanding Dementia Care with KYN

Caring for dementia at home can be a beneficial option for many individuals and their families. With the right support and resources, individuals living with dementia can continue to live fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes.  

If you or a loved one are considering residential dementia care, contact KYN. We strive to provide the highest standards of personalised, holistic care in beautiful, nurturing environments. Our aim is to enrich the lives of everyone who walks through our doors and support our residents and their families through every step of the dementia journey.  

For more information on KYN’s approach to dementia care, or to discover our care homes for yourself, enquire today.