World Alzheimer’s Day: Supporting People Living with Dementia

Why World Alzheimer’s Day Matters

Every year on 21 September, the world comes together to mark World Alzheimer’s Day. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and showing support for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

For families, carers, and communities, it’s also a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and specialist support. At Home Instead Cleveland and Lavan Dementia Care Services, we believe that people living with dementia should feel included, valued, and supported to live meaningful lives.

About Lavan Dementia Care Services

Founded in July 2023 by Jade Lavan, a registered mental health nurse, Lavan Dementia Care Services provides a range of specialist support designed to empower people living with dementia. Their mission is to ensure every individual feels “included, valued, useful, wanted, and purposeful.”

Services include:

• Specialist Dementia Day Service – based at Sleights Community Hub (Guisborough), open five days a week, offering meaningful activities in a safe, stimulating environment.
• At-Home Services – helping people remain independent in their own homes with flexible, trusted support.
• Independent Specialist Dementia Nurse Service – providing expert clinical care, symptom management, and guidance to families and care settings.

👉 Learn more at lavandementiacareservices.co.uk

How to Best Support People Living with Dementia

Supporting someone with dementia means more than just meeting physical needs — it’s about dignity, identity, and connection. Here are some of the most effective ways families, carers, and communities can help:

1. Communicate with Care

• Speak clearly and simply.
• Allow time for responses.
• Use eye contact, touch, and tone of voice.
• Reminisce using photos or familiar objects.

2. Create Routine & Familiarity

• Keep daily schedules consistent.
• Build familiar activities into each day.
• Avoid unnecessary changes when possible.

3. Provide Meaningful Activities

• Music, art, gardening, or memory-based activities.
• Opportunities to contribute, such as helping with small tasks.
• Specialist day services, like those offered at Sleights Community Hub.

4. Focus on Person-Centred Care

• Adapt care to the person, not the other way around.
• Respect preferences, history, and routines.
• Empower choice wherever possible.

5. Support at Home

• Flexible assistance with household tasks, personal care, and companionship.
• Professional input from independent dementia nurses.
• Respite for family carers.

6. Build Safe, Dementia-Friendly Spaces

• Calm, well-lit environments with clear signage.
• Access to safe outdoor areas.
• Quiet spaces for rest when needed.

7. Encourage Community & Social Inclusion

• Dementia-friendly cafés, clubs, and community hubs.
• Neighbourhood awareness and regular check-ins.
• Volunteer opportunities and group activities.

8. Invest in Education & Training

• Training for family carers and professionals.
• Understanding how to manage challenging behaviours.
• Sharing best practice across care providers.

Working Together: Home Instead & Lavan

By partnering, Home Instead and Lavan bring together two strengths:

• Lavan’s clinical expertise through its nurse-led dementia care services.
• Home Instead’s trusted in-home care and companionship support.

Together, we provide:

• Continuity of care from home to community services.
• Access to both personal and clinical expertise.
• Shared training and resources for families and professionals.

What You Can Do This World Alzheimer’s Month

• Reach out to someone you know living with dementia — even small gestures matter.
• Support dementia-friendly businesses and community spaces.
• Volunteer your time or donate to organisations working in dementia care.
• Educate yourself — listen to the voices of people living with dementia.

A Message of Hope

Dementia brings challenges, but with the right support, people can continue to live with dignity, purpose, and joy. On World Alzheimer’s Day and World Alzheimer’s Month, Home Instead Cleveland and Lavan Dementia Care Services stand united in raising awareness and supporting families in our community.

Together, we can ensure that no one living with dementia feels alone.

👉 To find out more about Lavan Dementia Care Services, visit lavandementiacareservices.co.uk
👉 To learn how Home Instead Cleveland can support you or a loved one, get in touch today.