How Do You Support Someone With Dementia Without Losing Yourself in the Process?

Caring for someone with dementia in Redbridge or Walthamstow is a journey filled with love, resilience, and sacrifice—but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to support your loved one without losing yourself along the way, the key lies in creating structure, finding support, and allowing space for your own wellbeing. As Dementia Action Week approaches (19–25 May 2025), we’re shining a spotlight on the everyday courage of family caregivers. At Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, we want to equip you with practical tools and heartfelt reassurance so you can care with confidence, compassion, and clarity—both during this national awareness campaign and throughout your caregiving journey.

In this blog, you’ll find guidance on adapting your home, managing changing behaviours, supporting daily routines, and—most importantly—caring for yourself while supporting someone you love.

At Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, we are proud to support families throughout Dementia Action Week (19–25 May 2025). This year, we’re planning a variety of local initiatives to raise awareness, offer guidance, and bring our community together.

South Asian Community Brain Health Event for Dementia Action Week

Join us at this informative and engaging event focused on brain health, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. The event will be hosted by speakers from the Local Authority Redbridge Council, Local Memory Service, local services/groups and much more.

Learn about cognitive decline and brain health and how to reduce your risk.

Connect with local health and wellbeing services.

Access support for you and your loved ones. 

Tuesday 20th May 2025, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Redbridge Central Library, Clements Rd, Ilford IG1 1EA

No registration needed – just drop in!

Flow State Sessions at William Morris Gallery

These free art and craft sessions are ideal for individuals experiencing mild anxiety, low mood, or those feeling isolated or overwhelmed due to health conditions or caregiving responsibilities. Each month features a unique theme, from nature journaling to mindful drawing, and after attending a directed session, you’re welcome to join open studio sessions to practice at your own pace. No prior art experience is needed. This series of sessions starts on 8 June 2025.

Please note, participants must be registered (or on the waitlist) for the NHS Social Prescribing and Talking Therapies service or be accessing community mental health support groups.

Sunday 8 June 2025 – Wednesday 25 March 2026; These sessions are FREE of charge; Session times: 2pm – 4.30pm

Each session take place in the Gallery’s Learning Studio (top floor)

To sign up you MUST be registered (or on the waitlist) for the NHS Social Prescribing and Talking Therapies service or are accessing community mental health support groups.

You can sign up to a single session or as many as you want – including all.

Flow State Sessions – William Morris Gallery

This is a time to connect, learn, and support one another. To find out more or to get involved, please contact our team—we’d love to hear from you.

Kitchen

• Install stove knob covers or safety knobs.
• Use signs like “Hot!” near appliances.
• Lock away knives, scissors, and cleaning chemicals.
• Avoid food-shaped magnets which could be mistaken for real food.
• Regularly check the fridge for spoiled or expired items.

Bedroom

• Lay out clothes in the order they should be worn.
• Use monitors or motion sensors discreetly to track movement.
• Choose simple clothing with Velcro or elastic waists.
• Keep the room clutter-free to reduce fall risks.

Bathroom

• Use grab rails near the toilet, bath, and shower.
• Add non-slip mats inside and outside the bath.
• Remove electrical appliances.
• Offer towel baths or sponge baths if full bathing causes distress.
  

As dementia progresses, everyday tasks become more challenging. Helping your loved one maintain some independence in these areas can preserve their confidence and dignity.

Nutrition

• Stick to regular mealtimes.
• Minimise distractions during meals.
• Offer finger foods or model eating.
• Adjust textures as necessary to prevent choking.

Bathing

• Respect modesty and routine.
• Keep baths short and the water warm.
• Consider towel baths when full bathing is distressing.

Dressing

• Offer simple options instead of full wardrobes.
• Lay clothing out in sequence.
• Use adaptive clothing where possible.

Medication

• Use pill organisers or apps for reminders.
• Monitor side effects, especially loss of appetite or sleep changes.
  

You matter too. Providing care for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding. Looking after yourself isn’t optional, it’s essential to giving your best care!

Schedule Time to Rest

• Take breaks with the help of respite services or a trusted friend.
• Even a short time away can help prevent burnout.

Get Practical Help

• Understand the specific dementia diagnosis—different types have different symptoms and needs.
• Look into support from services like Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, NHS professionals, and local adult day centres.

Look After Yourself

• Speak openly with other caregivers to share feelings and advice.
• Stay connected with your own interests and hobbies.
• Keep up with your own medical appointments and sleep schedule.

Dementia care isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance. It’s showing up every day, even when it’s hard—even when you’re tired and the path ahead looks uncertain.

Whether you’re helping with meals, responding to difficult behaviour, or simply holding a hand through a moment of confusion, you’re making a difference.

At Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, we see the quiet strength of caregivers every day. And during Dementia Action Week and beyond, we’re here to support you. Not just with services, but with understanding, resources, and genuine compassion.

Because caregiving isn’t only an act of kindness—it’s an act of love.