For many families, the first instinct after a dementia diagnosis is to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible.
Home provides familiarity, comfort, and a sense of security. Familiar surroundings, routines, and treasured possessions can help reduce anxiety and support independence, particularly during the earlier stages of dementia.
While home-based care can be an excellent option, dementia is a progressive condition. Over time, what starts as occasional assistance can become a significant responsibility, bringing emotional, physical, and practical challenges for families.
The Benefits of Home-Based Care
Remaining at home can offer many advantages, including:
• Maintaining familiar routines
• Staying connected to family and community
• Preserving independence for longer
• Reducing confusion and anxiety associated with unfamiliar environments
For many people living with dementia, these benefits can contribute positively to their quality of life.
Recognising When More Support Is Needed
As dementia progresses, families often find themselves managing increasing care needs, including:
• Medication management
• Personal hygiene and dressing
• Meal preparation and nutrition
• Behavioural changes and anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Safety concerns, including wandering or falls
Because these changes often happen gradually, it can be difficult to recognise when home care is becoming overwhelming.
Some signs that additional support may be beneficial include:
• Frequent falls or safety concerns
• Increased confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty managing medications
• Challenges with eating, drinking, or personal care
• Sleep disruptions affecting the household
• Growing emotional or physical exhaustion among family members
Seeking support is not a sign of failure. It is often the most caring and responsible step a family can take.
How Protea Memory Clinic Supports Families
At Protea Memory Clinic, we understand that every family’s journey is unique. While some families may be considering residential care, others wish to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible. That’s why we offer home-based care services, providing professional support in the comfort of your loved one’s own home.
Our home-care service is assessment-based and tailored to each individual’s needs.
Our process is simple:
• We start with a conversation to understand your situation and care requirements.
• We guide you through the most appropriate care options.
• We match your loved one with a trained carer and develop a personalised care plan.
• We provide ongoing support to ensure care continues to meet changing needs.
Depending on the assessment, care can range from a few hours a day to full 24-hour support, with flexible contracts available for different levels of care.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
At Protea Memory Clinic, our support extends beyond the individual living with dementia.
We maintain an open-door policy and encourage families to reach out whenever they need guidance, information, or reassurance. Dementia can be a complex and often overwhelming journey, and families frequently have questions as circumstances change. At Protea Memory Clinic, we work closely with doctors and other members of the multidisciplinary care team to ensure residents receive comprehensive, coordinated care. While medical diagnosis and treatment remain the responsibility of the healthcare professionals involved, our team provides ongoing support, practical guidance, and a deeper understanding of the day-to-day realities of living with dementia. We are here to help families navigate the journey with confidence, knowing they have a trusted support network around them.
We also host free monthly support group sessions, open to the public, where families can connect with others, share experiences, learn more about dementia, and receive emotional support in a safe and understanding environment.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Whether you are looking for support at home, guidance on future care planning, or exploring residential dementia care options, Protea Memory Clinic is here to help.
If you would like to learn more about our home-based care services, please contact us at crm@proteamemoryclinic.com and share:
• Your loved one’s current care needs
• Your contact number
Our team will guide you through the next steps and help determine the most appropriate level of support for your family’s unique situation.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give a loved one is ensuring they have the right support, at the right time, in the right environment.
References
National Institute on Aging – Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/caregiving
Alzheimer’s Association – Caregiving Support
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving
Alzheimer’s Association – Care Options
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options
Family Caregiver Alliance – Caregiver Health and Wellbeing
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-health/
World Health Organization – Dementia Fact Sheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
