We realise that someone with dementia presents a range of practical issues that can differ from others faced by carers. People with dementia often feel vulnerable as their condition progresses and they increasingly rely on other people to do things for them. A regular live-in carer will reassure and support them while helping them retain some level of independence and also make them feel more secure by creating a regular daily routine in a relaxed environment where they’re encouraged and not criticised. Involving the person cared for in simple everyday tasks makes them feel useful and improves their sense of self-worth. This can include getting them to help with the shopping, simple household tasks or light gardening

The carers we introduce offer support sensitively and aren’t critical of their clients as it is essential for them to feel that they’re still useful. It’s also very important for many people with dementia to enjoy their previous hobbies or interests. A live-in carer can help them maintain this interest by becoming involved in these activities or taking them on trips or visits.

By remaining at home with a live-in carer, a person with dementia can also be reassured by being in an environment they know and in close contact with familiar things and surrounded by family, friends and pets. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone if you have dementia; keeping in contact with other people is good for those with dementia because it helps to keep them active and stimulated.

The carer will ensure that the person they look after eats healthily and gets regular exercise. It’s vital that someone with dementia stays fit and healthy to maintain a better quality of life. People with dementia can become significantly more confused if their health deteriorates and they become ill.

Because a live-in carer will get to know their client’s personality and routines well, they will be able to accommodate any behavioural changes. For instance, it’s likely that the person being cared for will change their eating patterns and habits over time. By the carer being aware of this and trying to be flexible, it will make mealtimes less stressful.

Live-in carers will help the client with incontinence issues that are common for people with dementia to experience. A person with dementia may simply forget to go to the toilet or may forget where the toilet is. The carer is there at all times to help remind or prompt in these situations. Similarly, people with dementia can become anxious about certain aspects of personal hygiene and may need the carer to help them with washing and bathing.