Caring for a Loved One With Dementia? Practical Ways to Feel Confident and Supported
Practical dementia care tips from Home Instead Enfield for families during Dementia Action Week.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia in Enfield, you may feel like you’re navigating unfamiliar territory—unsure of how best to support your loved one, or how to care for yourself along the way. From changing behaviour to communication difficulties and emotional strain, the dementia journey can be incredibly complex. That’s why, as part of Dementia Action Week (19–25 May 2025), Home Instead Enfield is sharing practical tips, reassurance, and guidance to help you feel more confident and better supported.
In this article, you’ll find helpful advice for daily care, emotional support, and planning ahead—along with information about the services Home Instead Enfield offers to help families through each stage of the dementia journey.
Dementia Action Week 2025: How Home Instead Enfield Is Making a Difference
At Home Instead Enfield, we believe Dementia Action Week is a powerful time to shine a light on the needs of individuals living with dementia and those who care for them. Throughout 19–25 May 2025, we’ll be:
- Hosting free training sessions for local families seeking guidance on dementia support at home.First Session 17th of May @14.30pm Southgate Leisure Centre
- Partnering with community groups to raise awareness about compassionate caregiving and early planning.
- Sharing daily care tips and support resources on our website and social media.
We are here to ensure families across Enfield feel informed, supported, and empowered. For more information about how to get involved or speak to our team, pleasevisit our website or call us directly.
Creating Calm Through Routine
Dementia often disrupts the simplest aspects of everyday life. Tasks like dressing, eating, or bathing may suddenly feel overwhelming for the person affected—and emotionally draining for you.
Establishing a consistent daily routine can bring much-needed comfort. Keeping meals, hygiene, and sleep times regular can help reduce confusion and make the day feel more manageable.
Encouraging independence, even in small ways, can also maintain dignity. You might assist with fastening buttons or laying out clothes but allow your loved one to choose what to wear. Adaptive clothing, non-slip mats, and visual cues—like labelled cupboards and colour-coded rooms—can gently support daily independence without removing control.
How to Communicate With Compassion
One of the most difficult changes for caregivers is navigating how dementia affects communication. When memory changes become more noticeable, misunderstandings and frustration often follow.
- Speak slowly and use short, clear sentences.
- Ask one question at a time.
- Offer choices, but keep them limited.
- Use your loved one’s name, maintain eye contact, and be patient.
- Reassure gently—correcting mistakes may cause unnecessary distress.
- Avoid confrontation when they become confused. Redirect gently, or introduce a calming activity.
The tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language often speak louder than words. A warm smile or gentle touch can go a long way when words fall short.
Responding to Behavioural Changes
Dementia doesn’t just affect memory—it can lead to changes in behaviour such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or suspicion.
Here’s how to respond in a way that protects both your loved one and your peace of mind:
- Wandering: Keep exits secure but discreet. Provide ID bracelets or cards and alert neighbours who can help.
- Paranoia: Avoid arguing. Offer comfort and gently help look for “lost” items, even if they aren’t actually missing.
- Repetition: Stay calm and kind, even when the same question is asked again and again. A visible clock, sign, or photo can help ease repetitive anxieties.
- Aggression: Respond calmly. Avoid shouting or sudden movements. Try to identify and remove the cause—whether it’s physical discomfort, hunger, noise, or fatigue.
Calm surroundings matter. Keep lighting soft, minimise noise, and stick to simple, predictable activities that offer comfort and focus.
Safety Starts at Home
Creating a safe and dementia-friendly home environment can reate a safer space that promotes confidence and reassurance.
Key safety tips include:
- Preventing falls: Use grab rails, remove rugs, and ensure walkways are clutter-free.
- Kitchen safety: Lock sharp items and cleaning products away. Choose appliances with auto shut-off functions.
- Night-time support: Use bed rails or motion sensors to help prevent accidents.
- Bathroom comfort: Raised toilet seats, non-slip flooring, and handrails can make all the difference.
For people experiencing perception difficulties, labelling taps and using contrasting colours between floors and walls can improve understanding of their surroundings.
Helping With Hygiene, With Dignity
Bathing and hygiene can become a source of anxiety for people with dementia—especially if they’re confused or feel their privacy is being threatened.
Support your loved one by:
- Sticking to familiar habits (e.g. evening baths if that was their preference).
- Keeping the bathroom warm and private.
- Using a handheld shower or soft cloth for sponge baths.
- Separating hair washing from bathing, or distracting with gentle music or conversation.
Above all, respect their wishes and go at their pace. What feels like a small task to you may feel enormous to them.
Staying Active in Mind and Body
Mental and physical stimulation helps maintain wellbeing. While dementia may limit the scope of activities, many small, meaningful moments still exist.
- Encourage simple tasks like folding laundry or helping in the garden.
- Play music from their younger years—it often sparks memories or movement.
- Offer short walks or gentle stretching.
- Make food and drink appealing and easy to manage. Use soft textures and colourful plates.
- Ensure hydration throughout the day—sometimes water is more welcomed with a slice of lemon or in a favourite cup.
Even short bursts of activity can lift mood, reduce anxiety, and support better sleep.
Caregiver Wellbeing: You Matter Too
Supporting someone with dementia often leads caregivers to overlook their own needs. But rest, support, and compassion for yourself aren’t indulgent—they’re necessary.
- Don’t expect perfection. Challenging moments are part of the journey.
- Take regular breaks, even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea or a short walk.
- Say ‘yes’ when help is offered—from friends, neighbours, or professionals.
- Stay connected. Meet someone for coffee. Join a support group. Talk to others who understand.
- If you’re overwhelmed, speak to your GP or a counsellor. You are not alone.
Burnout helps no one. A well-supported caregiver is better able to provide the loving care their family member needs.
Planning Ahead: Don’t Wait for a Crisis
As dementia progresses, planning ahead becomes not just helpful, but necessary.
Have open conversations early about wishes for future care. Discuss preferences around home care, medical treatment, or residential care while your loved one can still contribute.
Arrange legal matters—such as power of attorney—for both health and financial decisions.
Begin exploring local services such as those offered by Home Instead Enfield, which provides professional dementia care at home that supports both clients and families.
Know Where to Turn
There are trusted organisations available for advice and support, including:
- Alzheimer’s Society –www.alzheimers.org.uk
- Carers UK –www.carersuk.org
- Dementia UK –www.dementiauk.org
These charities offer helplines, support groups, online resources, and practical advice for every stage of dementia care.
Locally, Home Instead Enfield can support your family through one-to-one visits, companionship, dementia-specific care, and flexible at-home support that’s always led by compassion and understanding.
When More Help is Needed
There may come a point where you need additional support. That’s okay.
Home Instead Enfield offers trusted care services including:
- Personal care assistance and hygiene support
- Companionship and daily routines
- Specialist dementia care
- Support for family caregivers, including respite care
Our approach is about working with families—not taking over. We’ll help carry the load, so you don’t have to do it all alone.
Closing Thoughts
Supporting a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with love, patience, and frequent change. There will be challenges. But there will also be moments of closeness, connection, and meaning.
At Home Instead Enfield, we stand beside families facing dementia—offering not just care, but understanding and reassurance every step of the way.
Be kind to yourself. Ask for help. Take breaks. And remember: caring for someone with dementia is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone.
To learn more about how Home Instead Enfield can help your family during Dementia Action Week and beyond, visithomeinstead.co.uk/enfield or call us directly.
Areas We Serve
Enfield, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Bush Hill Park, Southgate, Cockfosters, Edmonton, Brimsdown and the surrounding areas
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