Understanding The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia – and the Crucial Role of Live-in Care

Mar 28, 2025 | News

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a range of cognitive conditions that affect memory, reasoning, language and daily life. Contrary to what many people might think, it is not actually a specific disease.

Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 60-70% of cases. It is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, confusion and behavioural changes due to the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain. While dementia can encompass multiple conditions, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s is a distinct disease.

The value of dementia care in your own home

For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, familiarity, routine and personalised care are essential. Caring for someone with dementia is challenging, which is why live-in dementia care is so popular. Having a professional live-in dementia carer who’s properly trained to support a person through all the dementia stages is the preference for lots of families. Let’s take a closer look at why this live-in dementia care is so valuable.

1, Familiarity and comfort

A move to a care home can be disorienting for those with dementia. Live-in care, on the other hand, allows individuals to stay at home in their familiar environment with their usual routines, which can help reduce anxiety and confusion.

2, One-to-one care

Unlike residential care settings, where staff must divide their attention among lots of residents, live-in care ensures that a person receives dedicated, personalised support. Carers can adapt their approach to the individual’s preferences, routines and changing needs, ensuring a high-quality of care.

3, Symptom management

Live-in carers trained in dementia care understand the complexities of cognitive conditions. From managing difficult behaviours to encouraging cognitive stimulation through memory exercises and meaningful activities, they’re trained to recognise and deal with challenging symptoms.

4, Promoting independence

Dementia care in your own home helps maintain a sense of autonomy. A person can maintain their own daily routines while a carer assists with things like social interaction and hobbies, as well as personal care, meal preparation and household tasks.

5, Reduced stress for families

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Live-in dementia care offers much-needed respite for families, ensuring that their loved one is in safe, professional hands while allowing them to focus on their relationship rather than caregiving responsibilities.

6, Provides safety and security

Wandering, confusion and forgetfulness can pose significant safety risks for people living with dementia. A live-in carer can provide constant supervision, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring immediate assistance is always available when needed, giving everyone peace of mind.

For a modern, compassionate approach to dementia care, contact OxleyCare today to discuss live-in care options for your loved one.