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    What is Dementia Care?

    A Clinical & Practical Guide to Support at Home

     

    Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a family member can feel overwhelming — and the first priority is often safety and stability. We understand this is not just a medical journey, but a deeply personal one. As a UK-based care platform, we connect you directly with qualified, self-employed carers who specialise in dignity-first dementia care at home — in the comfort of your own home.

    Find a Dementia Carer
    1. Home
    2. Home care services
    3. Live-in Care

    What is Dementia Care?

     

    Dementia care is a specialised, condition-led framework designed to manage the cognitive, behavioural, and physical changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

    It is not a one-size-fits-all service. Effective dementia care focuses on person-centred support — a model that prioritises the individual’s identity and life history over their diagnosis.

    The Importance of Personalised Attention

    In early stages, care may focus on memory prompts and companion-led activities. As the condition progresses, the value of a consistent, dedicated professional becomes paramount. A trusted carer often acts as a biographical bridge — using the person’s past interests (gardening, specific music, faith, routines) to reduce distress and confusion caused by cognitive gaps.

    Person-centred support

    Care built around identity, preferences, and life story — not just tasks.

    Consistency reduces distress

    A familiar, reliable carer can help stabilise behaviour and daily routines.

    Dignity-first personal care

    Sensitive support with hygiene and continence while preserving independence.

    Better continuity at home

    Familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety linked to transitions and disorientation.

    Is Dementia Care at Home the Right Choice for Your Family?

     

    Choosing how and where dementia care should take place is one of the most difficult decisions families face. There is rarely a single “right” answer — only the option that best fits your loved one’s safety, clinical needs, and emotional wellbeing at a given point in time.

    Dementia care at home is often the most appropriate choice when care needs can be met safely while preserving familiarity, routine, and personal identity.

    When Dementia Care at Home Works Best

    • The person is medically stable and does not require continuous nursing intervention.
    • Familiar surroundings reduce confusion, anxiety, or agitation.
    • Consistency of carer helps manage behavioural changes and daily routines.
    • Family members wish to remain involved in care decisions and routines.
    • Care needs are predictable and can be met through structured support.

    For people in the early to mid stages, remaining at home can support better emotional regulation, fewer behavioural disruptions, and a stronger sense of autonomy.

    Clinically, continuity of environment may reduce distress associated with transitions — particularly for people experiencing sundowning or spatial disorientation.

    When Residential Care May Be the Safer Option

    • Complex medical needs require on-site nursing supervision.
    • Severe mobility limitations increase fall risk despite home adaptations.
    • Persistent wandering or night-time agitation cannot be safely managed.
    • Family carers are physically or emotionally exhausted.
    • Home modifications are not feasible to ensure safety.

    Choosing residential care is not a failure of caregiving — it can be a clinical and practical decision to protect wellbeing when care needs exceed what can be safely provided at home.

    Need Support Now?

     

    If you are currently managing a crisis or need immediate advice on finding a dementia specialist, you can find a carer near you today.

    Our platform allows you to message carers directly to discuss your specific needs — so you can move from uncertainty to a clear plan.

    Find a Carer Near You Is home care right?

    Recognising the Symptoms: Signs Your Loved One Needs Support

     

    Clinical experts often look for these “red flags” that suggest a need for professional intervention:

    • Memory loss that disrupts life: forgetting recent events or asking the same question repeatedly.
    • Difficulty with familiar tasks: struggling to prepare a well-known recipe or use household appliances.
    • Confusion with place or time: losing track of dates, seasons, or getting lost in familiar neighbourhoods.
    • Changes in mood or personality: becoming unusually anxious, suspicious, or withdrawing socially.

    The 7 Stages of Dementia Progression

     

    To help families plan, clinicians often use the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) to align support needs with the biological stages of the disease.

    Stage
    Clinical level
    What families observe
    Support required
    1–2
    Normal / very mild
    Minor forgetfulness common with age.
    Early planning and lifestyle adjustments.
    3
    Mild decline
    Forgetting names; trouble with complex work tasks.
    Companion care and memory prompts.
    4
    Moderate (early)
    Confusion with dates; inability to manage finances.
    Visiting care and help with daily errands.
    5
    Moderately severe
    Can no longer live safely alone; needs help dressing.
    24-hour supervision or live-in care.
    6
    Severe (middle)
    Forgetting spouse’s name; wandering; hygiene issues.
    Specialised behavioural and personal care.
    7
    Very severe (late)
    Loss of verbal skills; total physical dependence.
    Nurse-led care and palliative support.

    What Are the Types of Dementia Care?

     

    Families usually choose between three primary models of support. Each has distinct benefits depending on clinical need and the desire for independence.

    1) Domiciliary (In-Home) Care

    Often the preferred route for people who want to “age in place”.

    • Visiting care: flexible hourly visits (from 1 hour) for meals, medication prompts, and hygiene.
    • Live-in care: a dedicated professional resides in the home, providing 24/7 one-to-one attention.

    2) Residential & Facility-Based Care

    • Residential care homes: 24-hour non-medical support in a shared environment.
    • Memory care units: specialist wings with security features to reduce wandering risk.
    • Nursing homes: registered nurse oversight for complex medical needs (often later-stage).

    3) Respite & Community Care

    • Adult day centres: social interaction and structured daytime activities.
    • Respite care: short-term support (days to weeks) to prevent caregiver burnout.

    How Families Often Transition Care Over Time

    Dementia care rarely changes overnight. Most families move through care stages gradually as needs evolve:

    1. Visiting / hourly care

      Meals, daily activities, medication reminders, and companionship.

    2. Extended daily support

      Personal care, routine support, and supervision as needs increase.

    3. Live-in / 24-hour care

      Continuous supervision as safety risks increase and independence reduces.

    Patient Safety, Clinical Progression, and Care Logistics

    A personalised home care plan should address:

    • Environmental safety (lighting, trip hazards, signage, exits)
    • Behavioural risk monitoring (wandering, agitation, sleep disruption)
    • Medication adherence and symptom observation
    • Escalation planning as cognitive or physical decline progresses
    • Clear communication between carers and family members

    Dementia care at home works best when care is planned proactively — not introduced only during emergencies.

    Dementia Care Options at Home

     

    At Curam Care, we specialise in dementia care at home — helping your loved one remain in a familiar environment where they often feel safest and most in control. Staying at home is commonly associated with fewer disruptions to routine and may reduce the impact of evening confusion (“sundowning”) for some individuals.

    What a Personalised Dementia Carer Provides

    On the Curam Care platform, you can find carers who offer support tailored to your loved one’s routine:

    Companionship care

    Hobbies, puzzles, reading the news together, and reminiscence to support cognition and wellbeing.

    Personal care with dignity

    Sensitive help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and continence support.

    Household & lifestyle support

    Meal prep for dietary needs, light cleaning, laundry, and errands (including prescriptions).

    Pet care

    Support with feeding or walking pets so companionship stays part of daily life.

    Social connectivity

    Accompaniment to church, shops, appointments, and family visits to reduce isolation.

    Routine-led reassurance

    Consistent cues, calm communication, and structured days to reduce anxiety.

    One-to-One Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

    Many self-employed carers on our platform are trained in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This includes structured activities such as Life Story Books or Memory Boxes — using photos and tactile items to spark conversation and support a sense of self.

    Find a Dementia Specialist Why Curam Care?

    The Benefits of the Curam Care Marketplace Model

     

    As a managed digital marketplace, Curam Care offers a modern alternative to traditional care agencies — returning the power of choice to families and carers.

    For families

    Direct selection

    Browse detailed profiles, read verified reviews, and check dementia-specific qualifications — no “assigned” carer.

    For families

    Transparent messaging

    Message carers securely to discuss personality, routines, and care needs before you hire.

    For families

    Flexible hiring

    Post a care job that matches your needs — from 2 hours, respite on Tuesday, to 24/7 live-in support.

    Safeguarding

    Safety and peace of mind

    All carers are vetted, DBS-checked and carry professional insurance.

    For carers

    Full autonomy

    Choose the families you work with and build meaningful, consistent relationships.

    For carers

    Set your own rates

    Carers set prices based on experience and specialised training (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more).

    For carers

    Work-life balance

    Control your schedule and provide higher-quality care without agency-mandated fatigue.

    Continuity

    If it doesn’t go to plan

    Marketplace models allow families to change caregivers if the match isn’t right — while maintaining control.

    Browse Dementia Carers Read FAQs

    Practical Tips for Managing Dementia at Home

    Home support works best when safety and routine are addressed proactively. Below are practical steps families often take.

    1. Safety & environmental modifications

      A home safety assessment is vital. Many dementia-related risks are linked to lighting, navigation, and trip hazards.

      • Better lighting: keep bathrooms and hallways well lit to reduce confusing shadows.
      • Contrast is key: use contrasting colours for toilet seats or door handles for easier identification.
      • Remove trip hazards: secure carpets and remove loose rugs to reduce falls risk.
      • Smart technology: motion/night-time sensors can alert carers to restlessness without intrusive cameras.

    2. Maintain routines and reduce distress

      A predictable schedule for meals, bathing, and sleep can provide reassurance. If a loved one is confused, focus on the feelings behind their words rather than correcting facts.

    Talk to Dementia Carers

    Supporting the Family: Emotional Strain, Guilt, and Hesitation

     

    Many families delay seeking professional help because of guilt or fear — worrying that bringing in a carer means “giving up” or losing control. In reality, dementia care is not about replacing family involvement. It protects relationships by reducing exhaustion, stress, and emotional overload.

    Common feelings families experience include:

    • Guilt about not doing “enough”
    • Fear of losing closeness with a loved one
    • Hesitation about trusting someone new
    • Emotional fatigue from constant vigilance

    Seeking help is not a sign of failure — it is often the step that allows families to move from survival mode back to meaningful connection.

    Common Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions

    Will my loved one accept a carer?

    Acceptance often improves when care is introduced gradually and carers are matched by personality and experience.

    Is home care really safe?

    With proper assessment, supervision, and adaptation, home care can be as safe as residential care for many individuals.

    What if care needs change?

    Care plans can be adjusted as dementia progresses — increasing hours or moving to live-in care when required.

    What if it doesn’t work out?

    Marketplace models allow families to change caregivers if the match is not right, while maintaining control and continuity.

    What is the difference between dementia care and standard home care?

    Dementia care is condition-led — focusing on techniques such as reminiscence approaches, managing sundowning, and reducing behavioural triggers. Standard home care is often more focused on practical assistance with physical tasks.

    How do I find a dementia carer on Curam Care?

    Enter your postcode and filter by “Dementia Care” to view qualified, self-employed carers in your area. You can review profiles, check verified reviews, and message carers directly to arrange an introduction.

    Is at-home care safe for someone who wanders?

    Yes, if paired with safety modifications and the right supervision. Families may use signage on exits, smart door alerts, and (where needed) 24/7 support to reduce risk.

    How quickly can care be arranged?

    Because Curam Care is a direct marketplace, many families can connect with and hire a carer within 24–48 hours — particularly helpful for hospital discharge situations.

    Find Dementia Care Now

    Costs and Funding for Dementia Care in the UK

    Handling the financial aspect of caregiving is challenging. In 2026, Curam Care’s marketplace model remains one of the most affordable ways to access high-quality support.

    Hourly care rates

    £18 – £30 / hour

    Varies by carer experience, location, and specialist dementia skills.

    Live-in care (weekly)

    £950 – £1,300 / week

    Often up to 50% less than traditional agency fees, especially for couples sharing one carer.

    Direct payments

    Local council funding

    If eligible, you may receive funding to appoint carers directly through the Curam Care platform.

    Attendance Allowance

    Up to £110.40 / week

    Non-means-tested benefit for people 66+ who need help with personal care (2025/2026 top rate).

    Get Matched with Dementia Carers Home vs residential

    Prices are indicative and may vary by region, complexity of care, and requirements (including waking nights).

    Related Dementia Care Resources

    Explore more guidance on choosing care, arranging support quickly, and understanding costs — so you can plan with confidence.

    Home Care Services Our Locations Home Care Pricing Guidance Find a Carer Near You Dementia Stages Guide Costs & Funding
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