Jan 23, 2025 | News
For those living with dementia, the chance to stay in familiar surroundings as they navigate the complexities of the condition can significantly improve their quality of life. This is one of the main reasons why live-in care – where a trained caregiver moves into the person’s home to provide round-the-clock support – is an increasingly popular choice for families seeking compassionate, tailored care for their loved ones. Here’s how live-in dementia care can improve quality of life and provide peace of mind for everybody involved.
1. Familiarity and comfort
One of the most significant benefits of live-in care is that it allows people with dementia to remain in their own home, as opposed to moving away to a care facility like a nursing home. Familiar surroundings play a crucial role in reducing confusion and anxiety in people with dementia, because the presence of personal belongings, established routines and even the familiar scent of home can provide a strong sense of security and stability. Unlike a move to a residential care home, live-in dementia care minimises disruption and the associated distress.
2. Personal connections
Live-in care can help individuals maintain valuable connections with their network of friends and family. Continuing to spend time with familiar people can be comforting and stimulating for older people with dementia, as well as helping them maintain a connection to their life as they knew it, which is important when so many things are changing. Being able to visit and spend time with loved ones in their own home is also very valuable for family members, as they can continue to easily enjoy meaningful and loving relationships.
3. Personalised care and attention
Live-in care services provide one-to-one support tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Dementia affects people very differently, and caring for someone with dementia demands a personalised approach in order to be responsive and effective. A professional carer who lives onsite can adapt their approach as the condition progresses, offering assistance with daily activities, medication management and mobility, while respecting the person’s preferences and protecting their dignity.
4. Companionship and emotional support
Isolation and loneliness are common challenges for older people, including those with dementia. A live-in carer not only provides practical assistance but also serves as a trusted companion, and a consistent presence in the home. Building a strong, trusting relationship with a carer can help alleviate feelings of isolation and improve emotional well-being in somebody with dementia. Engaging in meaningful conversations, shared activities or simply having someone around to provide reassurance can make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life.
5. Promoting independence
While dementia can make certain everyday tasks difficult, live-in care is designed to support individuals in maintaining as much independence as possible. Carers can encourage participation in activities such as cooking and gardening, as well as helping a person pursue their hobbies. They can tailor their support to the person’s abilities, and dial this up or down according to the condition’s inevitable fluctuations. This balance of assistance and autonomy helps preserve self-esteem and a sense of purpose, both crucial to quality of life.
6. Managing behaviour and health
Dementia can sometimes lead to challenging behaviours, such as aggression, restlessness, wandering or confusion. Experienced live-in carers are trained to manage these behaviours with patience and empathy, using techniques to de-escalate situations, provide reassurance and keep everybody safe. Care for dementia also involves monitoring changes in behaviour or health that may signal an underlying issue, and proactively arranging medical intervention when needed. This can reduce stress for both the individual and their family members, who can relax in the knowledge that their loved one is safe.
If you or a loved one would benefit from the improved quality of life that live-in dementia care can bring, contact Oxley Care today.
Call 01980 846690