How can families support a loved one with dementia?

Introduction

Family support plays a vital role in the wellbeing of a person living with dementia. The aim is to help them stay connected to everyday life, maintain independence and dignity, and ensure family carers receive the right support too. Understanding dementia and knowing where to find help can make a huge difference to quality of life for both the person affected and their family.

1. Get Informed and Connect to Help

The first step in learning how to support a loved one with dementia is to access reliable information and professional advice. Charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK offer specialist helplines where families can get tailored guidance and emotional support.

The NHS also provides practical information on caring responsibilities, health checks, and where to find local services. Connecting early with your GP, memory clinic, or Admiral Nurse can ensure you are not alone in navigating the challenges dementia can bring.

2. Keep the Person Involved in Daily Life

Shared, meaningful activities help the person feel valued and included. Walking together, preparing meals, listening to music, gardening, or folding laundry can all provide a sense of purpose and routine.

NICE guidance highlights the importance of regular, engaging activity to support wellbeing and cognitive function. Keep routines simple and consistent, and always offer clear, manageable choices such as “Would you like tea or coffee?” rather than open-ended questions. Encouraging participation in everyday life helps preserve dignity and connection.

3. Use Life-Story Tools to Personalise Care

Building a short “life story” booklet can transform how families and professionals support a loved one with dementia. Include key details about the person’s background, hobbies, important relationships, and preferences.

Resources such as the Alzheimer’s Society’s This is Me booklet and Dementia UK’s life story work guide make it simple to record what matters most. Sharing this with care staff ensures everyone tailors communication, activities, and routines to the individual.

4. Make the Home Safer and Easier to Navigate

A supportive environment can reduce confusion and anxiety. Families can contact their local council to request a home assessment, often carried out by an occupational therapist. This can identify small, effective adaptations such as:

• Better lighting and clear signage

• Contrasting colours for furniture and flooring

• Grab rails and non-slip mats

• Simple memory aids like calendars and whiteboards

These small adjustments make daily living easier and safer while helping the person remain independent for longer.

5. Look After Yourself as a Carer

Supporting someone with dementia can be rewarding but also emotionally and physically demanding. Remember that your wellbeing is essential to their care.

You may be entitled to a carer’s assessment through your local authority, which can identify practical support, respite options, and financial help such as Carer’s Allowance. The NHS carers support guide explains how to apply and what to expect. Taking regular breaks, talking with friends, and joining peer groups can help prevent burnout.

6. Build a Support Network

Dementia care is easier when shared. Carer support groups, both local and online, offer the chance to connect with others who understand what you are going through. Charities such as Age UK provide practical advice and can signpost to groups, respite services, and community events.

Staying connected helps families feel less isolated and more confident in managing changes over time. Many carers find that sharing experiences also improves their problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.

Tip if Help Is Refused

It is common for people with dementia to resist outside help. Try introducing new support gradually and focus on how it will make life easier, rather than framing it around the dementia diagnosis. For example, say “This device will remind us when to take medicine” rather than “You need this because of memory problems.”

How can staff learn more about caring for someone with Dementia?

Our Dementia Care modules – Dementia Care 1: Understanding Dementia and Dementia Care 2: Person Centred Dementia Care, explore myths and stereotypes of Dementia, person-centred care techniques, and communication strategies. 

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