How Do You Cope When a Loved One Has Dementia?

Supporting a loved one through dementia can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re caring for someone in Lanark, Carluke, Biggar or across South Lanarkshire, there are ways to cope with confidence and compassion. With Dementia Action Week taking place from 19–25 May 2025, it’s an important time to shine a light on practical tools, emotional support, and the community resources that can make a real difference. At Home Instead South Lanarkshire, we’re here to walk this journey with you—offering guidance that helps you care for your loved one without losing sight of your own wellbeing.

But you don’t have to face this alone.

In this blog, we explore what to expect at each stage of dementia, how personalised care at home can help, and where to find support for both your loved one and yourself as a carer.

Remaining at home can provide immense comfort for someone with dementia. It keeps routines intact and offers surroundings that feel safe and recognisable. That’s why Home Instead South Lanarkshire delivers one-to-one care right at home.

Personal Support and Dignity

Our trained Care Professionals help with daily activities such as washing, dressing, and toileting. These seemingly simple acts are handled with respect and understanding, preserving the dignity of the person receiving care.

For those with more advanced needs, we also provide catheter care, PEG feeding, and other complex services—always under guidance from healthcare professionals.

Companionship and Mental Stimulation

People living with Alzheimer’s often feel isolated. Companionship visits are about more than sitting together—they involve meaningful activities that stimulate the mind. Whether it’s reminiscing over old photo albums, enjoying music, or taking a gentle walk, these moments create positive emotional connections.

Domestic Help to Ease Daily Life

Meal preparation, light cleaning, and laundry assistance help maintain a healthy home environment. This gives family carers breathing space and enables them to focus on the emotional side of caring—spending time with their loved one rather than constantly managing chores.

Caring for someone with dementia is an act of love—but it’s also exhausting. No one should try to do it all without support.

Respite Services: Take a Well-Earned Break

We provide short-term care so you can rest, catch up on personal commitments, or simply have time to breathe. Knowing your loved one is in safe hands makes it easier to step away, even if only briefly.

Training and Advice for Family Carers

Our team offers guidance on managing symptoms, communicating effectively, and responding to changes with care. From tips on how to bathe someone with dementia to managing incontinence with dignity, we’re here to share our knowledge and offer reassurance.

Register as a Carer with Your GP

If you’re caring regularly for a loved one, it’s important to register as a carer. This could open the door to:

• Respite care
• Support with household tasks
• Specialist training
• Access to support groups

Many carers are unaware of these services, but they can reduce stress and protect your wellbeing.

Small changes can have a huge impact on daily life for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are practical ideas:

Encourage Involvement

Simple tasks like folding towels, watering plants, or helping to lay the table provide purpose and build confidence. These activities promote a sense of usefulness even when memory and skills begin to fade.

Use Memory Aids

Label cupboards, drawers, and rooms with words and pictures. A sign that says “Toilet” with a symbol can help the person find their way without asking—supporting independence and reducing frustration.

Speak with Kindness and Patience

Avoid arguing over forgotten facts. Instead, focus on the present, speak clearly, and allow extra time for responses. Compassionate communication goes a long way.

Support Nutrition and Hydration

Dehydration and poor nutrition can worsen symptoms. Offer easy-to-handle finger foods, sit together for meals, and use bright tableware to draw attention. Keep an eye on oral health, too—it can often be overlooked.

Supporting hygiene needs

Bathing can trigger anxiety. Use warm towels, familiar toiletries, and a slow approach. For incontinence, consider products designed for dignity and ease, and use visual cues or nightlights to help guide the person to the bathroom.

Help Improve Sleep

If your loved one wakes during the night or is confused about the time, try:

• Limiting caffeine
• Exposing them to daylight during the day
• Keeping the bedroom calm and familiar
• Using clocks that show whether it’s morning or night

Speak to a GP if problems continue.

• Specialist Dementia Training: Our Care Professionals are trained to understand the specific needs of people with Alzheimer’s.
• Tailored Care Plans: Every plan reflects the person’s preferences and life history.
• Locally Based Team: With offices in Lanark, we know the area and its resources inside out.
• Trusted Support: Families throughout Carluke, Biggar, and South Lanarkshire rely on us to provide dependable, compassionate care.
  

Dementia may change your loved one’s world, but with the right support, they can still live with comfort, dignity, and connection. If you’re based in South Lanarkshire and need help caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, reach out.

📞 Call us: 01555 666474
🏠 Visit: 7 St Leonard Street, Lanark, ML11 7AB
🌐 Enquire online: www.homeinstead.co.uk/south-lanarkshire

Let’s work together to provide the care your loved one deserves—at home, where they belong.