50 tips for Alzheimer’s Month
Understanding the person
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Remember that every experience is different
Everyone’s experience of dementia is different, so try to avoid making assumptions based on somebody else’s experience and take time to understand what is happening for the individual.
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Learn about each person’sparticular diagnosis
Different forms of dementia can affect memory, language, emotions, movement and decision-making in different ways. Ask healthcare professionals to explain the diagnosis and what changes you might expect.
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Identify the people who are especially important to them
Familiar relationships can provide reassurance and a sense of safety. Family members, friends, neighbours and pets may all be important parts of someone’s life.
4. Remember the person, not just the illness
Keep talking to them, including them in conversations and treating them as an adult. Even when communication becomes more difficult, the person and their identity remain important.
5. Look beyond a person’s words
Someone may not always be able to explain what they need. Their expression, posture, movement or behaviour may be communicating pain, fear, tiredness, frustration or confusion.
6. Focus on what the person can still do
A diagnosis does not remove somebody’s abilities, personality or right to make choices. Notice their strengths and support them to continue doing as much as they comfortably can.
Communicating with kindness
7. Introduce yourself calmly when needed
Even someone who knows you well may not immediately recognise you. Approach calmly, say who you are and avoid expressing surprise or disappointment.
8. Speak simply and calmly
Use short sentences and focus on one thing at a time.
9. Ask one question at a time
Several questions in quick succession can feel overwhelming. Give the person time to process and respond.
10. Be patient
Give the person plenty of time to answer a question or complete something. Try not to rush them or finish their sentences.
11. Offer simple choices
Instead of asking an open question such as “What would you like to drink?”, try “Would you like tea or coffee?” This allows the person to make a choice without giving them too much information to process.
12. Avoid testing their memory
Questions such as “Do you remember who I am?” can cause anxiety or embarrassment if the person cannot remember.
13. Avoid correcting every mistake
Repeatedly telling somebody they are wrong can cause distress. If the detail is not important to their safety, consider whether it needs correcting at all.
14. Respond to the emotion, not just the words
Consider what someone might be feeling or trying to communicate, rather than focusing solely on whether what they are saying is factually correct.
15. Use familiar words and phrases
Simple, recognisable language may be easier to understand than unfamiliar terminology.
16. Keep your tone and body language calm
Speak gently, make appropriate eye contact and keep your expression and body language relaxed.
17. Don’t talk over the person
Include them in conversations about their own life and care, even if somebody else is helping them to communicate.
Supporting independence and familiar routines
Encourage the person to do things they can manage, as this can help preserve independence, confidence and make sure they feel useful
Rather than saying “Get dressed”, for example, offer one step at a time: “Here’s your shirt.”
Somebody may need a reminder or prompt rather than complete assistance. Avoid taking over unnecessarily.
Choosing what to wear, eat, drink or watch can help somebody retain control over their day.
A familiar activity may take longer than it once did. Giving somebody enough time can help protect their confidence and independence.
Regular patterns around waking, meals, activities and bedtime can make life feel more predictable.
Follow established habits rather than expecting the person to unnecessarily adapt to somebody else’s timetable.
Gardening, cooking, folding laundry, listening to music, looking through photographs or continuing other familiar activities can provide enjoyment and purpose.
Care is not only about completing practical tasks. Conversation, laughter, watching a favourite programme or sharing a cup of tea can also be valuable.
Living with dementia does not remove somebody’s desire to walk, enjoynature or remain part of their community. Consider how they can continue doing these things safely.
10 minutes in the garden can give a new scenery and spark new conversations. If they are unable to get outside, bring the outside in by picking some flowers or leaves to bring in a sensory experience
Using familiarity and memories
29. Learn about the person’s life story
Knowing about someone’s childhood, family, work, interests, favourite places and proudest moments can help carers build a genuine connection and understand what matters most.
30. Talk about what you see
If you are struggling to engage in conversation, pick up a photo album or picture frame and talk about what you can see, rather than asking specific questions that they may struggle to remember.
31. Use familiar music and objects
Photos, favourite music, hobbies and objects associated with the person’s past can provide enjoyment, familiarity and opportunities for connection.
32. Consider creating a personal comfort or memory box
Working with the person and their family, collect safe objects connected to meaningful periods of their life, such as a former job, hobbies, family life, favourite places, music or household routines.
33. Make memory aids personal
What is reassuring and meaningful to one person may have no significance to another. Build any memory or comfort box around that individual’s own life history.
34. Involve family members
Families may know stories, routines, interests and objects from earlier parts of the person’s life that can help carers understand what is important to them.
35. Make room for moments of joy
Life with dementia can still contain humour, affection and meaningful experiences. Continue making space for the things that help the person feel most like themselves.
Creating a supportive home environment
36. Keep the environment familiar
A favourite chair, familiar bed, photographs and other possessions can all help home continue to feel recognisable.
37. Avoid unnecessary changes
Moving furniture, redecorating several rooms at once or introducing unfamiliar equipment without explanation may be confusing. Make essential changes gradually wherever possible.
38. Keep important items easy to find
Glasses, hearing aids, keys, drinks and other regularly used items can be easier to locate when they are kept in consistent, visible places.
39. Review potential fall risks
Look for loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways and other hazards. An occupational therapist or other healthcare professional may be able to advise on suitable adaptations.
40. Introduce new equipment thoughtfully
Where adaptations become necessary, explain them calmly and involve the person in decisions wherever possible.
41. Include pets where appropriate
A much-loved pet may provide comfort, companionship and a familiar routine. Make sure there is also a plan for supporting the animal’s care where needed.
Encouraging hydration and nutrition
Ask the person their favourite meal from their childhood and make it together to spark a connection.
If hydration is difficult, try and offer drinks in their favourite glass or mug, or have a cuppa with them to make drinking more enjoyable and social.
So brightly coloured food can make meals more appealing.
Changes in the brain can make it hard for individuals with dementia to separate white food from standard white plates or tablecloths. So, using a red or contrasting plate can helps with visual contrast and encourage food and drink intake.
Recognisable meals, flavours and routines around eating can be reassuring, while taking account of the person’s medical or dietary requirements.
Responding to changes or distress
47. Notice changes from the person’s usual behaviour
If somebody who normally welcomes you suddenly appears frightened, withdrawn or distressed, pause and consider what may have changed.
48. Look for what behaviour may be communicating
Agitation, withdrawal or wandering can sometimes indicate discomfort, anxiety, hunger, tiredness or another need.
49. Look for possible triggers
Noise, unfamiliar people, tiredness, hunger, temperature, lighting or a change in routine may all contribute to distress. Keeping a note of what happened before and afterwards may help identify patterns.
50. Don’t assume every change is dementia
Sudden confusion or distress may be linked to pain, infection, constipation, dehydration, medication or another health issue. Seek appropriate medical advice where there is a sudden or concerning change.
Planning and supporting the whole family
51. Keep the care plan personal and up to date
Record the person’s routine, history, relationships, interests, communication preferences and the approaches that provide reassurance. Update these as their needs change.
52. Plan ahead together
Dementia often changes over time. Discuss future wishes and potential support before a crisis makes decisions more difficult, while continuing to involve the person in decisions wherever possible.
53. Look after the family carer too
Supporting somebody living with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. Families should share responsibilities where possible and seek professional or community support rather than trying to manage everything alone.
Alzheimer’s care with Helping Hands
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