Understanding Dementia and Its Impact
Dementia isn’t just about memory loss.
It’s about watching someone you love slowly change.
It affects thinking, behaviour, communication, and day-to-day tasks. And it doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed—it impacts you, the carer, the family, everyone.
The stages of dementia:
- Early stage – Repeating stories, misplacing things, forgetting names
- Middle stage – Trouble with daily routines, mood swings, confusion
- Late stage – Loss of speech, mobility issues, round-the-clock support
When you’re caring for someone with dementia, you’re not just helping with tasks.
You’re navigating:
- Emotional rollercoasters
- Personality changes
- Difficult decisions
That’s why dementia care must be specialised. Not just kind. Not just professional. It has to be trained, regulated, and responsive.
Types of Care Services for People with Dementia
You’ve probably asked yourself:
Do I need a care home, or can we keep Mum at home?
You’ve got options. Let’s break them down.
Home Care Services
This means carers come to your home—on your terms.
Why families love it:
- Loved ones stay in familiar surroundings
- Personalised routines
- Flexible hours—mornings, evenings, even overnights
- Emotional comfort of staying at home
This includes:
- Help with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Medication support
- Meal prep and hydration
- Companionship (a big deal in dementia care)
Live-In Care
Need 24/7 support without a care home?
A live-in carer moves in.
They handle:
- Daily care tasks
- Night-time supervision
- Emotional support
- Emergency help
They become part of the household.
At Saint Aims Care, our live-in carers are trained in dementia care, regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and offer real peace of mind.
Respite Care
Even superheroes need breaks.
If you’re the main carer, you’ll burn out without rest.
Respite care is short-term help—so you can:
- Take a holiday
- Attend to your own health
- Just breathe
Here’s what respite care looks like
Residential Care
Sometimes home isn’t safe anymore.
If your loved one is:
- Wandering at night
- Aggressive
- Unsafe alone for even an hour
…it may be time to consider a care home.
We get it. It’s a hard call. But if it keeps everyone safe and stable, it’s the right one.
We’ll help you with:
- Choosing a care home
- Understanding what the Care Quality Commission ratings mean
- Transitioning with dignity
Choosing a Quality Dementia Care Provider Near You
How do you know who’s legit?
Not all care is created equal. Especially not dementia care.
- Look for this checklist: CQC-regulated
- Trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Care plans based on real needs—not box-ticking
- Familiar carers, not a revolving door
- Support for you too—not just your loved one
Also ask:
- Do they know how to handle different types of dementia?
- Will they spot signs of distress or deterioration?
- Can they step in if there’s a sudden change?
Saint Aims Care doesn’t just tick boxes—we show up.
What Does a Personalized Care Plan Actually Look Like?
Not all care plans are equal.
A real one includes:
- Detailed medical needs
- Mental health and dementia diagnosis
- Personal routines and preferences
- Crisis plan
- Family contacts and communication strategy
It evolves. Because dementia isn’t static. Needs shift. Good care moves with them.
Want to see what a real care plan looks like?
Let’s build one together
Can You Trust a Stranger in Your Home?
This one’s personal.
Letting someone into your home—especially to care for someone vulnerable—is huge.
That’s why our carers go through:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Dementia care training
- Supervised trial shifts
- Ongoing reviews and training
But beyond that—they’re good people.
People who care.
People who show up on time, every time, with a calm smile and a kind word—even when your loved one is shouting.
We don’t do temps. We do trust.
Who Pays for Dementia Care? (And How You Might Not Know What You’re Owed)
Dementia care isn’t just emotionally exhausting—it can feel financially impossible.
Good news? You’ve got options.
Start here:
- Ask your local council for a financial assessment
- Apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare (it’s means-tested)
- Look into Direct Payments—you get the funds, you pick the care
- Talk to Age UK, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society—they’ll guide you
- Use the dementia directory to find local support services
You might be eligible for more than you think.
Need help navigating it? We’ll talk to the council or social worker with you.
How to Tell When You’re Past Your Limit
You keep pushing through.
You tell yourself you can manage.
But these signs mean it’s time to get help:
- You’re skipping meals or sleep
- Your temper is short
- You dread waking up
- You feel trapped
You’re not weak. You’re human.
The admiral nurse dementia helpline (0800 888 6678) is also there for carers—don’t wait until you’re running on empty.
Real Stories from Families Like Yours
Case 1: David, age 75 – Alzheimer’s
His daughter was burning out trying to manage him at home.
We stepped in with a live-in carer trained in Alzheimer’s support.
David’s aggression eased. His routine stabilised. And his daughter? She finally slept.
Case 2: Fatima, 82 – Vascular Dementia
Her son noticed she wasn’t eating or bathing.
We introduced a home care service—just an hour every morning.
Now she eats, smiles, and even laughs again.
Case 3: Sandra, 68 – Early-Onset Dementia
Still living independently but forgetting to take meds.
We built a care plan around medication reminders and light support.
She’s still in her own flat, still in control, just with backup.
FAQs
Q: Can I get funding even if we have savings?
You might. Talk to your local council. And don’t forget NHS Continuing Care—it’s based on needs, not just finances.
Q: What if my loved one refuses help?
We build trust slowly. A carer might start as a “friend” dropping in for tea and build from there.
Q: Are care plans reviewed regularly?
Yes—especially with dementia. We review weekly or monthly depending on needs.
Q: Can you help with hospital discharges?
Yes. We work with NHS discharge teams to get care in place before your loved one comes home.
Q: What if I need help urgently?
Call us. We’ve got emergency carers and same-day visits when needed.