Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, communication and everyday tasks. The changes differ from person to person. Good support starts with the person, not a list of symptoms.
Keep the person involved
A person living with dementia may need more time or help, but can still have preferences, abilities, relationships and a sense of identity. Care should support choice and independence for as long as this remains safe.
- Offer simple choices instead of taking over.
- Break a task into smaller steps.
- Keep familiar routines where possible.
- Use reminders, labels or pictures that the person understands.
- Build activities around past interests and present abilities.
Make communication easier
Speak face-to-face in a calm voice. Use short sentences and discuss one thing at a time. Reduce background noise, allow time for an answer and watch facial expression and body language. The aim is to understand the feeling or need behind the words, not to win an argument about a fact.
Pain, infection, poor hearing, poor vision, medicine side effects and an unfamiliar setting can all make communication or behaviour worse. A sudden change needs medical assessment rather than being blamed on dementia.
Respond to distress with curiosity
Restlessness, withdrawal, repeated questions or resistance to care can be ways of showing fear, pain, hunger, tiredness, loneliness or confusion. A care team can look for triggers, adjust the environment and test gentle responses. Restraint or sedation should never be a routine answer to distress.
Plan care and support the carer
Families should discuss future care preferences while the person can take part. Plans may cover who will help, where care can be provided, which routines matter and what should happen if needs change.
Family carers also need rest, information and practical help. Asking relatives, friends or a care service for specific support can protect the health of the carer and the person receiving care.
Care at home and in retirement estates
Person-centred dementia support can work in a private home, an assisted-living apartment or a retirement estate. The care plan should match the person’s clinical needs, abilities, risks and preferred daily life. Medwell provides nursing and care support in both settings.
Sources: WHO information for dementia carers and WHO iSupport.
Service enquiries can be sent through the Medwell contact page or made by telephone on 010 006 5538.
This article gives general information and does not replace medical advice. A doctor or other qualified healthcare professional should assess individual symptoms and treatment.