Living With Dementia: Health & Happiness

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of medical conditions causing impaired cognitive function and other symptoms. This happens when neurons and their connections in the brain are disrupted, making it difficult for messages to be sent around the brain. As a result, speech, understanding and movement may be negatively affected. Throughout the progression of the disease, an individual with dementia will begin to notice they struggle with daily activities, and eventually will need constant care. 

There are many different types of dementia, but some of the most common include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Symptoms vary depending on the specific type, but generally the condition leads to cognitive symptoms like problems with memory, thinking skills, judgement, reasoning skills, communication, mood, behaviour, balance, motor skills, and more. 

You may find more information about dementia in our guide to what dementia is.

Why is happiness such an important factor in dementia care?

Research has found that higher levels of wellbeing have been associated with a lower risk for future dementia, meaning happiness could be protective against cognitive decline. It is easy to assume that a dementia diagnosis means the beginning of the end for someone with the condition, but it is important to remember they could still live for many years, so focusing on their wellbeing and happiness – and finding joy in the little moments – can ensure those years are spent in the best way possible, with loved ones around them. 

Older studies have identified that factors like humour and social interaction were important sources of happiness for people with dementia. There are also notable benefits to focusing on happiness for caregivers, as one report found that teaching carers how to focus on positive emotions helped to reduce their anxiety and depression after a six week study. 

What factors should be considered when supporting someone with dementia?

Those with dementia will start to experience a number of physical challenges, which you can read more about in our guide to the physical symptoms of dementia. For this reason, and for the good of everyone involved in the care process, taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing can make a big difference to their care. This means considering things like the importance of eating a balanced, nutritious diet, doing regular, dementia-friendly exercises, and organising regular medical check-ups with medication reviews to stay ahead of any issues. Some factors to consider when looking after a loved one with dementia include:

Food, nutrition and dehydration 

Older adults tend to experience appetite issues regardless of whether or not they have a dementia diagnosis, and could experience weight loss as a result. Poor appetite is often a symptom in late-stage dementia, which means the person may not be receiving adequate nutrition. There are many reasons for appetite loss at this stage, including chewing and swallowing difficulties, dexterity issues, gastrointestinal issues, mouth pain, depression, fatigue, or side effects from medications they have been prescribed. 

It is important for caregivers to identify the possible reasons for appetite loss, and work with the appropriate medical professionals to address issues and improve their nutritional intake. You may find some more helpful tips on managing general loss of appetite in our article, Handling Loss Of Appetite In Older Adults, or learn more about swallowing issues in our guide to difficulty swallowing and coughing while eating in older adults.

Making sure they have access to snacks they enjoy throughout the day can help to boost their calorie intake, and you can experiment with different foods that may be suitable for their symptoms, such as soft foods that don’t need to be chewed, or soups with lots of added vegetables for nutritional purposes. 

It is also important to ensure they are drinking enough liquids throughout the day, whether that means water, tea, juice, liquidy foods, or something else. Dehydration can be an issue for older adults, and dementia patients may not be able to communicate thirst effectively, so this is especially important to pay attention to.

Pain management

While dementia is not thought to cause pain due to the condition itself, a person with dementia could still be experiencing pain from other sources but is unable to effectively communicate this in order to address it. It is estimated around 50% of those living with dementia experience daily pain, and research finds people with dementia are at risk of their pain being missed, identified too late, or assessed wrongly, leading to potential problems and discomfort. Identifying and addressing pain in a loved one with dementia is crucial in order to maintain their quality of life as the condition progresses. 

Try to ask regular questions to find out if they are experiencing any form of pain, such as from an infection, gastrointestinal issues like constipation, or from a condition like arthritis causing pain in their joints. If communication issues are a problem, it can help to point to areas of the body and ask them about pain there, or look out for signs of discomfort such as moaning or grimacing during handling practices. If you think they could be experiencing pain that you are unable to identify, you should speak to the medical professional in charge of their care to address this as soon as possible.   

Home adaptations

It can be difficult to notice when a loved one with dementia starts to find their home more challenging to navigate, as typically you will be used to them managing things on their own. It is important to ensure the home is optimised for someone with memory difficulties and physical challenges, by making some changes to prevent falls, accidents, and make things easier to find and use. 

For someone with mobility issues, a few small changes could make their environment a much happier place to be. Studies find those with severe dementia could experience issues with balance, gait, coordination and posture, which makes it more difficult to move safely around the home, and could cause a higher risk of falls. In addition, some types of dementia can lead to other symptoms such as sight loss, so considering what your loved one’s symptoms are and how the home could be adapted will make their life easier and improve their wellbeing. 

Mobility issues can affect older adults without dementia, too, however studies find those with a cognitive impairment report higher levels of disability than those without. A person’s disability could begin at any point during the dementia progression, so making home adaptations early can help them learn to use adaptive tools and mobility aids before they are unable to do this alone. You can learn more about home adaptations in our guide to home adaptations for disabled older people.

Emotional support and communication 

Emotional support is a key factor in caring for someone with dementia at any stage. Whether a loved one has just been given an early-stage dementia diagnosis, or they are in the later stages of the condition, they will likely be feeling a certain level of distress, worry and frustration at their situation and symptoms. Remembering to provide adequate emotional support and check in on them regularly can help to alleviate their anxiety and improve their wellbeing as a result. 

If possible, and if they feel like it, encourage them to take part in enjoyable activities, stay social, remain as independent as possible, and provide them with dementia-focused games and activities to keep their brain engaged and improve their confidence. 

Scheduling regular healthcare appointments can also help them to feel like there is a team of people in place making sure they are as well as possible throughout the progression of their condition, and they never feel alone or unsure of what comes next. 

Communication issues can arise as dementia progresses, with people sometimes unable to find the right words, use language appropriately, or put sentences together in a coherent manner. Finding new ways to communicate effectively can help you to maintain a relationship, and find out what they need and their preferences for care. 

You may need to find creative ways to communicate, such as learning to recognise subtle behaviours, sounds they make, facial expressions, gestures and more. You can also ask their doctor for help with this if you need more advice or are struggling to understand them, as a referral to a speech and language therapist could help provide more tools and advice.

Physical exercise

Encouraging a person with dementia to engage in regular exercise is important to help them maintain as much muscle strength and flexibility as possible, and studies have found that exercise for those with dementia could promote improved cognition, independent functioning and psychological health. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people living with a long-term health condition are twice as likely to become inactive, but research finds staying active could help those with dementia to manage certain health conditions, and reduce the impact and severity of their symptoms.

For someone with mobility issues or balance issues, physical exercises may be limited to the ones they can do with your assistance, so you should gauge what their abilities are and help them with exercises that keep them active and improve their mental health at the same time. Consider gentle exercises such as walking, stretches or chair-based exercises to get them moving without too much stress on their body. 

Other physical health factors

When someone loses their ability to take care of their own health, there are a number of easily-forgotten physical factors that must be checked regularly by caregivers. For example:

• Checking teeth for any problems, gum issues, or pain with their dentures
• Monitoring their eyesight and hearing in case of any deterioration that could be causing communication and understanding issues 
• Checking their skin for signs of pressure ulcers or any other irritation, particularly if they are confined to their bed or in a chair most of the day
• Perform regular care routines such as nail care or foot care to ensure they are in good health
• Making sure they are getting enough sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting daytime naps where possible, getting more physical exercise throughout the day, getting more light exposure throughout the day, avoiding stimulants like caffeine, and making any changes to the bedroom that could improve sleep, such as installing blackout curtains – caregivers tend to report sleep problems as one of the most distressing dementia symptoms they see in their roles, so doing what you can to help them improve their nightly sleep can have a positive impact on them and you

How can I make sure a loved one with dementia is happy and comfortable at home?

Happiness, wellbeing and quality of life can be difficult to quantify, especially if you are trying to measure this in a loved one who cannot communicate how they feel. However, there are ways to make the person’s house an inviting, homely place where they feel safe, and this can have positive effects on their wellbeing. 

Researchfinds that dementia patients may experience higher activity levels, quality of life, and feel more socially connected in their own home than in a care home, so home tends to be the best place for dementia patients, rather than moving to an unfamiliar care facility. You can read more in our guide to the benefits of home care vs a care home. 

As well as making home adaptations to help make physical life easier, you can make some changes to improve their mental health, too. Depending on their preferences and dementia symptoms, you may decide to make a list of the main challenges you or your loved one faces throughout the day or week, and come up with creative solutions to help. For example, if they enjoy cooking but can no longer use cooking equipment due to dexterity issues, look for adaptive utensils to help them stay independent and continue taking part in cooking activities. Similarly, if you struggle to motivate them to exercise, perhaps set up a dedicated area in the home where they can move their body to music, or do stretches in their chair. 

Think about simple changes to enhance your loved one’s comfort while at home, such as additional cushioning when they are sitting for a long time, or a portable caddy with useful items such as medications, TV remote controls, reading material, and more. For those with memory loss issues, implementing a calendar system, labelling important items and helping them to stay organised can reduce the worry they have over forgetting things, and make life easier for them. 

Focus on building a simple, consistent routine so they know what is coming each day and week, as this can provide stability and reduce anxiety by making sure they don’t feel overwhelmed with what is ahead in the day. 

Also, find time in the week for stimulating activities that bring them joy, such as:

• Music therapy
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Gardening activities 
• Card games
• Reading
• Crafting activities 
• Social games like chess 

What emotional support should be made available to someone with dementia?

Emotional support is a vital part of dementia care, and this can take many forms, such as setting aside time for regular chats to ask how they are feeling, or encouraging social interactions to reduce feelings of loneliness. 

One study recognised a 70% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline in those who were frequently socially active compared with those who were not, and a 2013 study also found emotional support can reduce feelings of loneliness, which is also connected to the preservation of cognitive function, so there are many benefits to prioritising social interaction and emotional support.

Also, a 2022 study found having a sense of purpose in life was associated with a reduced risk of dementia, and this is something caregivers can help to foster through positive reinforcement, encouraging independence, and exploring different ways to feel purposeful. 

Part of providing effective emotional support involves finding ways to foster open communication and build connection with a person with dementia. Although they may not be able to communicate or understand information as easily and as quickly as they once could, caregivers should exercise patience and empathy when communicating, and get creative with the ways they provide information. 

Supporting a loved one with dementia is not an easy task, but it can be rewarding if you have the time and energy to help them maintain a positive quality of life. For those who are juggling other responsibilities while also caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to delegate tasks to other family members, or bring in professional home care if you feel you need more support.  

What resources are available for those caring for a loved one with dementia?

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging time, and it may be tempting to bury emotions in favour of getting on with the practical steps needed to care for someone. Ultimately, burying how you are feeling can lead to burnout, so learning to manage your feelings about your loved one’s diagnosis can take the pressure off of the situation. 

There are a number of resources and tools to help, including: 

• Self care – Understanding the benefits of mindfulness practices can be a helpful addition to your mental health toolkit. Despite any perceived pressure to manage all responsibilities alone, delegation is crucial to give you time to recharge your batteries. 
• Support groups – Dementiasupport groups are available for the person who receives the diagnosis, as well as their families and caregivers. Local dementia organisations can offer you a safe, supportive group setting to learn more about caring for a person with dementia, and ask any questions you have. 
• Charities – In the UK there are a number of charities offering resources, assistance and advice for anyone with a dementia diagnosis and their carers. Organisations like Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK could offer some other helpful resources, and you can call Alzheimer’s Society’s helpline for anyone affected by dementia on 0333 150 3456. 
• Therapy – Research shows family caregivers of dementia patients can experience social isolation, physical health issues, and psychological disorders like depression, so it is important to address these with appropriate resources such as talking therapies. Not only will this help you avoid burnout as a caregiver, it can also have positive impacts on the person you are caring for. 
• Respite services – Respite care is vital for those caring for someone with dementia, whether to cover a holiday period, or to provide help when you need a break to recharge your batteries. You can receive respite to cover a number of things, and knowing the options available to you is helpful for any last minute respite needs you may have. You can learn more in our article: What Is Respite Care?
• Regular home care – As well as respite services, you can also look into regular home care services to cover set hours each week. Your local council can assess what your loved one needs and what they are entitled to for free by doing a Carer’s Assessment, or you can reach out to a private home care agency to get a more flexible schedule of help that works for you, such as your local Home Instead office. Our Care Professionals are specially trained to deliver the specialist dementia care you need, and we can design a bespoke package that prioritises your loved one’s health and happiness. 
• Financial support – Research from Alzheimer’s Society estimates there are around 700,000 unpaid carers in the UK, and looking after someone can lead to financial strain as well as emotional strain. However, many carers are entitled to certain financial benefits when they look after a loved one, such as Carer’s Allowance, so it can help to research what financial support is available to you. 
• GP support – Don’t forget to tell your GP if you are caring for a family member who has dementia, as they could point you in the direction of other resources to help. Register as a carer and your GP can talk you through the support opportunities and benefits you could receive to help the person you are caring for, and to help you with the physical and emotional burden of caring.

How can home care help people with dementia and their families?

Whether you are considering 24 hour care or just occasional respite, our specialist home dementia care can assist with whatever you need to ensure your loved one has a positive quality of life. From everyday personal care activities, to encouraging activities for mental stimulation, to helping with mobility issues, and more. This can be put together as a bespoke package, so your Care Professionals will visit your loved one’s home as often as you need them to, and you will have full flexibility as their needs change over time. 

Professional home care is also helpful as a form of respite care when the family has been caring for an individual for a long time and needs a break, providing an opportunity for someone with experience and training to assess how things are going.

We have a dedicated guide on how to choose and arrange home care services that may be a useful first step. Having care on hand at home, whatever the exact form, allows you to spend more quality time with your loved one in a place they feel secure, happy and comfortable, and where they can continue with their usual routines and activities. As a result, family members can focus on spending quality time with their loved one.

At Home Instead, we offer specialist, person-centred care that addresses both the cognitive symptoms of dementia as well as the physical symptoms that may arise. Our Care Professionals are trained to provide a high standard of dementia-focused care through our unique training programme created by ageing experts, dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world. This training is assured by City & Guilds, so you can always feel confident that your loved one is in safe hands when you are not around. 

We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.