Dementia care

Yes. Carers supporting someone with dementia receive appropriate training in person-centred care, communication, recognising distress, safeguarding and responding to changes in wellbeing. Training and competency are reviewed regularly.

We cannot diagnose dementia, but we can help the person and their family arrange appointments, prepare information and attend a GP or memory-clinic appointment where agreed. Diagnosis and medical advice must come from an appropriate healthcare professional.

We build the care rota around a small and consistent team wherever possible. Familiar carers can build trust, understand the person’s routines and notice changes more easily. Holidays and sickness may require another carer, but we will introduce them properly whenever possible.

We will never force someone to accept care. Our carers remain calm, give the person time and try to understand the reason for their refusal. We may adjust the approach, timing or carer and involve the family or relevant professionals where appropriate. Any immediate safety concerns will be reported promptly.

With the person’s consent, we can provide agreed updates to family members or representatives. Every visit is recorded in the care notes, including the support provided and any concerns or changes noticed. We will agree how and when you would like us to communicate with you.

Yes. Following an assessment, carers can provide agreed medication support, prepare meals and encourage regular food and drinks. All support is included in the care plan and recorded appropriately. Any concerns about appetite, weight, hydration or medication will be reported.

Yes. We will assess the person’s night-time routine, possible risks and reasons for becoming unsettled or leaving home. Support may include reassurance, planned checks, sleeping-night care or waking-night care. We work with families and professionals to create a safe plan that respects the person’s rights and independence.

We presume that every adult can make their own decisions unless an assessment shows otherwise. We explain choices in a way the person can understand and involve them as fully as possible. If the person lacks capacity to make a particular decision, we follow the Mental Capacity Act. Any decision made on their behalf must be in their best interests and should involve the appropriate family members, advocates and professionals.

Yes. Dementia care can be arranged for a short period to give a family carer time to rest, attend appointments or take a holiday. Respite may include visiting care, night care or live-in support, depending on the person’s needs and staff availability.

This depends on the assessment, the level of support required and the availability of suitably trained carers. Where care is needed urgently, we will complete the process as quickly as possible without compromising safety or the quality of the carer match.

Visiting care may no longer be enough if the person needs frequent support between visits, regular supervision, significant help during the night or increased reassurance to remain safe at home. We will review the care plan with the person, their family and relevant professionals. We may recommend additional visits, sleeping-night care, waking-night care or live-in support, depending on the person’s needs.