Understanding Dementia With Right at Home: What Support Looks Like

When someone you love is living with dementia, the changes you witness can be overwhelming. But support doesn’t just mean stepping in — it means stepping alongside.

At Right at Home, we believe that every person, regardless of where they are in their dementia journey, can experience joy, connection, and dignity. This guide offers key insights and practical steps for families and carers.

1. Focus on Ability, Not Disability

While it’s natural to feel the loss of who someone once was, it’s equally important to see what remains. Even as abilities change, people with dementia can still connect, engage, and participate — just in different ways.

Focusing on what your loved one can do helps:

• Boost confidence and emotional wellbeing

• Increase engagement and physical activity

• Reduce frustration, anger, and apathy

“When we empower ability, we see more of the person — not just the condition.”

2. Understanding Ability Levels

Right at Home’s approach is guided by dementia expert Jackie Pool. She outlines four levels of ability:

• Planning Ability – Can plan and act, but struggles with problem-solving

• Exploratory Ability – Can enjoy familiar activities but without expecting an outcome

• Sensory Ability – Responds to sensations; can complete one-step tasks

• Reflex Ability – Responds instinctively to touch or sound, but with minimal awareness

Matching your care approach to your loved one’s ability level leads to more meaningful support.

3. Nourish with Nutrition

Malnutrition and undernutrition can make dementia symptoms worse. Mealtimes should be calm, colourful, and familiar.

Top Tip:
Try using high-contrast, solid-coloured plates to help with visual recognition and focus.

Additional ideas:

• Limit distractions

• Serve colourful, easy-to-eat meals

• Eat together when possible

4. Prioritise Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional distress like anxiety, anger, or depression can amplify cognitive decline.

Top Tip:
Maintain familiar sleep and bathing routines and create opportunities for safe outdoor time.

You can also:

• Reduce noise and visual clutter

• Encourage gentle movement and walks

• Display comforting photos and keepsakes

5. Support Safety and Spatial Awareness

Dementia affects how a person sees and interacts with their surroundings.

Top Tip:
Use contrasting colours on stairs, furniture, and walls to help with visibility.

Also consider:

• Removing rugs and unnecessary clutter

• Adding motion-sensor nightlights

• Keeping item placement consistent and familiar

6. Encourage Recognition and Orientation

Cognitive change can affect a person’s ability to recognise people, items, or environments.

To support this:

• Use photos and labels

• Offer step-by-step verbal prompts

• Present choices one at a time

• Avoid unnecessary items during tasks

7. Keep Communication Flowing

Connection is still possible — it just may look different.

To help:

• Speak slowly and clearly, using their name

• Make eye contact at eye level

• Gently touch their hand or arm to get their attention

• Socialise in quiet, familiar environments

Avoid common barriers like:

• Rushing or multitasking

• Guilt, frustration, or overcorrecting

• Assuming your way is the only way

How Right at Home Can Help

We understand the unique challenges that dementia brings. Our support includes:

• Custom Care Plans tailored to your loved one’s cognitive level

• Caregiver Matching consistent carers that your loved one will recognised, matched based on personality, experience, and empathy

• Training in Dementia Support for our teams — led by experts

• In-home Help with daily tasks, emotional support, and companionship

Download our free resource: "A Guide for Those Supporting Loved Ones With Dementia or Cognitive Change"
Call 1300 363 802 to speak with a local team member today

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, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. 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. 

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