What Is a Dementia Care Package, and How Can It Help Your Loved One Stay at Home?

Dementia is a progressive condition caused by diseases that damage the brain. The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Each person’s experience is different—some may struggle with memory, others with communication, behaviour, or mobility.

Over time, these symptoms can make everyday tasks harder. Simple routines such as preparing meals, taking medication, or getting dressed may become confusing or even dangerous without the right support.

For many people with dementia, staying at home is not only possible—it’s often the most suitable option in the earlier and middle stages of the condition.

Being in familiar surroundings can ease confusion and reduce anxiety. With structured support in place, individuals can continue their usual routines, enjoy meaningful activities, and stay connected to their community.

At Home Instead New Forest, we build personalised care packages around the individual and their family. We offer both visiting care and live-in care, depending on the level of need.

Visiting Care

Visiting care involves a trained carer coming to the home at agreed times—this could be once a day or several times, depending on what’s needed. Visits might last from 30 minutes to a few hours and typically include:

• Help with getting up, washed, and dressed

• Meal preparation and hydration support

• Medication reminders

• Light housekeeping tasks

• Support with hobbies or walks

• Companionship and conversation

As needs change, visit frequency and tasks can be adjusted.

Live-In Care

For individuals who require continuous support, a live-in carer can move into the home. This offers round-the-clock assistance while allowing the person with dementia to remain in a familiar setting. Live-in carers support with:

• All aspects of personal care

• Nutrition and hydration

• Mobility and fall prevention

• Medication management

• Housekeeping and home safety

• Companionship and reassurance throughout the day and night

This option also brings peace of mind to family members, especially if they live further away or have other commitments.

In the UK, many people access care through their local council following a formal care needs assessment. If someone is struggling with daily tasks due to dementia, they may be eligible for support in the form of a care package.

This assessment considers:

• Physical and mental health

• Safety and risk of harm

• Daily living challenges

• Support from family or friends

If the local authority agrees that support is needed, a care plan is developed, setting out what services will be provided and how often. This might include personal care, meal support, home adaptations, or specialist dementia care.

Who Pays for It?

Whether or not the care is funded by the local authority depends on a separate financial assessment. Some people contribute towards their care; others receive full funding. In certain cases, such as complex health needs, an individual may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, which is fully funded.

At Home Instead New Forest, we know that staying physically active is important in supporting someone with dementia. Our carers encourage movement and gentle exercises throughout the day—this might include:

• Seated stretches and leg lifts

• Simple mobility routines

• Support for walks, gardening or other hobbies

• Ensuring hydration and regular meals

These daily habits help maintain strength and mood, and reduce the risk of hospital admissions

If you’re exploring home care for a loved one with dementia, we’re here to guide you through each step:

1. Call our team – We’ll talk through your situation and answer your questions

2. Home care assessment – A local care manager visits to understand your loved one’s needs

3. Tailored care plan – We design a support package based on what’s important to your family

4. Care begins – We match your loved one with a trained carer who understands dementia

Home Instead New Forest is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and our carers receive specialist dementia training to ensure safe, respectful, and effective care.