In the lead-up to Alzheimer's Awareness Day on September 21, Adore Care Homes, which runs the DurhamGate home in County Durham, has been helping pin down five tips to support someone living with Alzheimer's.

Quality Director Maria Ferrier has spent her career working with people living with all forms of dementia and has seen attitudes and approaches to dementia care change throughout the decades, but still believes that it can be much better.

Maria said: “I support care teams to understand people with dementia better and I feel that families sometimes do not know why their loved one has changed and it’s about working together to give their loved one the best life and supporting the families to learn to remember their loved one how they were before dementia and learn to love the person they are now.”

Five tips

1. Stay Calm

Recognise that the person living with dementia may be experiencing distress and may be unable to resolve the situation on their own. A calm demeanour can help de-escalate any anxiety or confusion they may be feeling.

2. Respect Personal Space

It’s essential to respect their personal space, as crowding or overwhelming them can increase their distress.

3. Reassure

Offering reassurance can be incredibly comforting. A gentle touch or calm words can help to soothe an agitated mind.

4. Encourage Communication

Encourage the individual to talk or communicate in any way they can. Whether through words, gestures, or other means, facilitating communication can help them express their needs or emotions.

5. Listen and Accept

It’s important to listen carefully and accept what the person is saying, even if it doesn’t make complete sense. Often, there’s a deeper meaning behind their words or actions that needs to be understood.

5. Consider Other Factors

Always consider other potential reasons for the person’s behaviour. Physical discomfort, environmental changes, or unmet needs could be contributing to their distress.