Supporting a Loved One With Dementia? Here’s What Help Looks Like in Reading
Support for dementia carers in Reading—practical help, local events, and compassionate guidance.
If you’re supporting a loved one living with dementia in Reading, you’re not alone—and there is help available. With Dementia Action Week taking place from 19–25 May 2025, it’s the perfect time to explore how compassionate, informed care can bring calm, safety, and dignity to everyday life. Whether you’re helping with meals, managing changes in behaviour, or simply trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, there are small, powerful steps that can support both you and your loved one.
At Home Instead Reading, we’re proud to support local families through every stage of the dementia journey. This blog brings together practical tips, reassurance, and local advice to help you feel more confident and connected—because no one should face dementia alone.
How We’re Supporting Dementia Action Week in Reading
At Home Instead Reading, we’re proud to be part of Dementia Action Week 2025—a national initiative running from 19–25 May to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and highlight the importance of dementia-friendly communities.
This year, we’re inviting local families and their caregivers to join us for a series of events, including:
- Free Dementia Awareness Sessions for the public and professionals
- Memory Café Drop-Ins in collaboration with community centres across Reading
- Advice Clinics to help families understand care options and plan for the future
- Information Stalls at local supermarkets and GP surgeries
- A Walk to Remember: a relaxed community walk celebrating those living with dementia and the people who support them
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or simply want to connect with others on a similar path, we’re here for you.
What It Means to Be a Family Carer
You might help with medication, accompany someone to appointments, or offer a listening ear when confusion takes hold. If so, you are a carer—whether or not you’ve officially adopted the title. Recognising this role is the first step towards seeking the support you deserve.
Many carers underestimate their responsibilities, not realising they’ve stepped into a role that’s both demanding and deeply meaningful. Resources such as the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Caring for a Person with Dementia” guide are invaluable, offering straightforward advice rooted in the lived experiences of other carers. At Home Instead Reading, we echo their message: you are not alone, and help is always available.
Daily Routines that Support Independence
For people with dementia, structure offers comfort. Repetition and routine help to ground their day, making tasks more manageable and life feel more predictable.
Some practical steps to bring calm and continuity include:
- Keep a regular schedule for meals, bathing, and bedtime.
- Encourage independence by allowing your loved one to participate in simple tasks, even if it takes a bit more time.
- Simplify everyday tasks using aids like elasticated clothes, large zippers, or shower chairs.
- Use clear, calm instructions, breaking steps down into smaller parts with a gentle tone.
- Create familiarity in the environment, such as serving meals at the same table or surrounding them with familiar photos and keepsakes.
The goal is to build a world where they can continue doing what they can safely, while receiving support where needed.
Speaking with Kindness and Clarity
As dementia progresses, Communication may become more difficult at times. Conversations may include forgotten words, repeated questions, or misunderstandings. These situations can be frustrating, but how you respond can ease the stress for everyone involved.
Effective communication tips include:
- Speak clearly and slowly using a gentle tone.
- Use names rather than pronouns to reduce confusion.
- Offer choices with yes/no questions rather than open-ended ones.
- Reduce background distractions like television or radios.
- Pay attention to facial expressions and gestures.
- Gently steer conversations to more familiar or comforting topics.
These small changes can reduce agitation and help maintain a sense of connection and respect.
Understanding Behavioural Changes
Dementia may lead to changes such as restlessness, unease, or a tendency to walk with purpose. These are often signs of discomfort, confusion, or unmet needs.
Here are some common scenarios and compassionate responses:
- Wandering: Keep doors secured, remove exit cues like coats near doors, and consider discreet GPS devices for safety.
- Incontinence: Introduce a regular toilet schedule, use visual cues, and opt for easy-to-remove clothing.
- Repetition or agitation: Maintain a calm setting and consider using music, puzzles, or hand massages to reduce distress.
- Paranoia or fear: Don’t try to reason. Acknowledge the fear and use calm words and touch to reassure.
- Sundowning (late-day confusion): Reduce stimulation in the evening, switch off caffeine early, and create a calm bedtime routine.
Supporting Healthy Eating
Mealtimes can become challenging due to memory loss, loss of appetite, or difficulty with coordination. But small changes can keep nutrition on track:
- Offer two simple choices to avoid overwhelming decisions.
- Finger foods may help if cutlery becomes difficult to manage.
- Eat together when possible—your presence can encourage eating.
- Serve meals in quiet, familiar surroundings.
- Smaller, more frequent meals may be easier to manage than three large ones.
Nutrition directly affects mood, energy, and wellbeing—making it an important part of your caring routine.
Personal Hygiene and Dignity
Bathing, dressing, and other personal tasks can become sources of anxiety for someone living with dementia. Your approach matters deeply here.
Tips for handling these tasks with compassion:
- Stick to familiar routines and past habits.
- Keep the environment warm, private, and quiet.
- Use equipment such as grab rails, non-slip mats, and shower chairs.
- Never leave the person alone in the bath.
- Offer limited choices when dressing and lay clothes out in order.
- Choose comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing.
Always involve the person in decision-making where possible and preserve their dignity at all times.
Home Safety for Peace of Mind
As dementia progresses, home safety becomes a bigger concern. Falls, Confusion or certain home features can increase safety concerns, but there are simple changes that can prevent accidents.
Practical changes include:
- Install grab rails, anti-slip mats, and motion-activated lights.
- Remove loose rugs, trailing wires, and cluttered walkways.
- Lock away hazardous items like cleaning supplies and medications.
- Label rooms with signs or pictures (e.g. “Toilet” with a relevant image).
- Use contrasting colours to mark stairs or furniture edges.
Room-specific adjustments—like stove safety covers or raised toilet seats—can also maintain some independence while protecting wellbeing.
Planning for the Future
It may feel difficult to talk about long-term decisions, but planning early ensures that your loved one’s wishes are respected and gives everyone peace of mind.
Key steps include:
- Discuss healthcare preferences and write them down.
- Set up lasting power of attorney for both health and financial matters.
- Explore options for ongoing care and support at home.
- Prepare for emergencies with up-to-date contact and medical details.
Planning ahead avoids rushed decisions later and gives you clarity in difficult moments.
Looking After Yourself
It’s not selfish to think about your own wellbeing—it’s necessary. Caring for someone with dementia can sometimes feel emotionally demanding. Looking after your own health helps you continue to provide loving and effective care.
Ways to stay well:
- Accept offers of help—friends and professionals want to support you.
- Use respite care to take breaks and recharge.
- Stay connected with friends and join local carer groups.
- Eat well, move often, and get enough sleep.
- Don’t hesitate to seek counselling or GP support if you feel low.
You matter too—and your health is part of the support system your loved one depends on.
Local Support in Reading
If you’re based in Reading, Home Instead is here to help with understanding, kindness, and tailored dementia care. Whether you need practical advice, in-home support, or simply someone to talk to, we’re part of your local network.
Additional support is also available from:
- Alzheimer’s Society UK: 0300 222 1122
- Local social care teams and community support networks
- Dementia Action Week events and drop-ins (19–25 May 2025) in the Reading area
Reach out early—it can make a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
Caring for someone with dementia isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about walking alongside someone with patience, kindness, and respect. Every small adjustment you make can lead to better days, deeper connection, and more moments of peace.
If you’re navigating this path in Reading and feel unsure where to start, Home Instead is here with practical support, compassionate caregivers, and a listening ear.
Let’s talk about how we can help. VisitHome Instead Reading or give us a call to find out more. You’re not alone.
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