Dementia Care at Home in London: A Practical Guide for Families

Signs that more support is needed

• Missed meals, weight loss or out-of-date food in the fridge
• Medication being forgotten or taken twice
• Getting lost on familiar routes, or leaving the house at night
• Unpaid bills, unopened post or vulnerability to scams
• Falls, bruises or a decline in personal hygiene
• A spouse or family carer who is exhausted or unwell themselves

Making the home dementia-friendly

Small changes can make a big difference. Good, even lighting (including night lights on the route to the bathroom) reduces falls and confusion. Contrasting colours help - for example a coloured toilet seat or crockery that stands out from the table. Labels or pictures on cupboards and doors help people find things independently. Remove loose rugs and clutter, and consider door sensors, a key safe, and gas and water shut-off devices.

Your local council's occupational therapy service can carry out a home assessment and may provide equipment such as grab rails at little or no cost.

Routines, meaningful activity and 'sundowning'

Many people with dementia become more confused, restless or anxious in the late afternoon and evening - often called 'sundowning'. A predictable daily routine, daylight and gentle activity earlier in the day, limiting caffeine later on, and a calm, well-lit home in the evening can all help.

Meaningful activity matters just as much as physical care. Music from the person's past, looking through photo albums, simple household tasks, gardening or a familiar walk can lift mood and reduce agitation. A live-in carer who knows the person's history can weave these into every day.

Legal and practical steps

• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for property and financial affairs, and for health and welfare, made with the Office of the Public Guardian while the person still has capacity.
• Make sure the GP knows about the diagnosis and any carers, and ask about a care plan review.
• Check benefits such as Attendance Allowance and the Council Tax severe mental impairment disregard.
• Ask the council for a care needs assessment, and a carer's assessment for family carers.

Where to get support in London

Your GP can refer to the local NHS memory service for diagnosis and follow-up. The Alzheimer's Society runs a Dementia Support Line and local services across London, and Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses provide specialist advice to families through their helpline. Many boroughs also have dementia cafés, carers' centres and day opportunities.

When the time comes that family support isn't enough, live-in dementia care provides a consistent carer at home around the clock, helping the person stay in the place they know best.