Supporting Someone with Dementia

Supporting someone living with dementia can feel overwhelming. You may notice subtle changes at first; repeated questions, small memory lapses, personality shifts and wonder what they mean.

You are not alone.

In Australia, close to 440,000 people live with dementia* and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Understanding what dementia is and how it affects daily life is the first step toward providing confident, compassionate support.

Understanding Dementia and Cognitive Change

Dementia is not a single disease. It is a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to complete everyday activities. While Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–70% of cases, other causes include vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries and Huntington’s disease.

It’s important to remember: Memory loss alone does not mean dementia.

For a dementia diagnosis, at least two core mental functions are significantly impacted, such as memory, communication, reasoning or visual perception.

Recognising the Signs

Dementia symptoms vary, but persistent changes may include:

• Repetitive questioning or storytelling
• Forgetfulness of recent events
• Personality changes
• Changes in diet or eating habits
• Increased apathy
• Odd or inappropriate behaviours
• Repeated falls or balance issues
• Decline in planning and organisation
• Changes in hygiene
• Changes in language or comprehension

If you notice ongoing changes, consulting a GP or geriatrician is essential for accurate assessment and planning.

How Dementia Impacts Families

Dementia changes more than memory. It can affect:

• Communication
• Recognition of people or objects
• Perception of surroundings
• Orientation to time and place 

These changes are not within your loved one’s control.

They may feel confused, embarrassed, anxious or frustrated. Understanding this can help families respond with patience rather than correction. Sometimes, small adjustments in how we communicate can reduce fear and agitation.

Practical Ways to Support Someone with Dementia

While dementia is progressive, quality of life can be supported in meaningful ways.

1. Focus on Ability, Not Loss

Even as abilities change, your loved one can still interact with the world around them. Focusing on what they can do helps support:

• Confidence
• Emotional wellbeing
• Engagement

Encourage participation in familiar routines and activities wherever possible.

2. Support Nutrition and Routine

Balanced nutrition plays a key role in wellbeing. Dementia does not require a special diet in most cases, but:

• Limit distractions during meals
• Use simple, familiar place settings
• Prepare colourful, appealing food
• Dine together where possible

Routine creates comfort. Predictability reduces anxiety.

3. Create a Safe Environment

Cognitive changes can affect perception and spatial awareness. Consider:

• Removing clutter and loose rugs
• Improving lighting
• Using contrasting colours for steps or bathrooms
• Simplifying the home layout 

Small environmental changes can reduce falls and confusion.

4. Keep Communication Simple

To support connection:

• Use their name
• Keep language clear and simple
• Maintain eye contact
• Engage in one-to-one or small group settings

Avoid multitasking while speaking and try not to rush responses. Connection matters more than correction.

Don’t Forget Yourself

Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding but it can also be exhausting. Family carers are encouraged to:

• Build internal and external support networks
• Accept help when offered
• Take time for rest
• Let go of guilt
• Consider respite support when needed 

You do not have to do this alone.

How Professional Support Can Help

Dementia care works best when it is personalised. A person-centred care plan can:

• Support safety and daily routines
• Provide respite for families
• Adjust as needs change
• Ensure caregivers are trained and matched appropriately 

Professional caregivers are trained to recognise changes in behaviour, communication and ability levels, helping families respond proactively. 

Download Our Free Guide

Supporting someone with dementia is a journey one that changes over time. To help families feel more informed and confident, we’ve created a practical guide covering:

• Understanding dementia
• Recognising signs and symptoms
• Supporting daily activities
• Nutrition and wellbeing
• Communication strategies
• Caring for yourself as a family caregiver

Download: A Guide for Those Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia

Need Support or Have Questions?

If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of early-onset dementia, our team is here to help. Book a free in-home consultation or find out more about our dementia care services here.

* Dementia Australia (2023) Dementia Prevalence Data 2024-2054, commissioned research undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, providing quality government-funded Support at Home. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Central West New South Wales; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Geelong; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Goldfields Grampians Murray; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Berwick; Melbourne Brighton; Melbourne Frankston; Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Newcastle Toronto; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; North Queensland; Northern Rivers; Northern Territory; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth South; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; South West WA; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine Coast; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Randwick; Sydney Ryde; Sydney St George; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Western NSW