Seeking professional help when a loved one is living with dementia
It’s natural to want to do everything you can for a loved one, but caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly emotional and overwhelming, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Sometimes seeking professional help can be the most compassionate and effective step you can take for both your loved one and yourself, and can help you protect your relationship and make the most of your time together.
How do I know when it’s time to get help?
There is no “one size fits all” answer to this question. Dementia is a progressive condition, and everyone’s needs can change over time (including the carer’s).
In general terms, you may notice signs such as:
Increasing confusion or distress
Difficulty with basic daily tasks like eating, dressing, or hygiene
Wandering, agitation, or behaviours that seem unsafe
Exhaustion or burnout in family members who are carers
Any of these challenges can be present to a higher or lesser degree at any point in your loved one’s journey with dementia. However, if these are becoming increasingly common or harder to manage, it may be time to consider professional support.
What kind of help is available?
In the UK, you have access to a range of professional dementia care options, including:
Home care support: Professional Carers who visit your loved one a few hours a day to help with personal care, medication, or companionship.
Live-in care: Professional Carers that move in to your loved one’s home to provide one-to-one care around the clock.
Day care: A care home that your loved one can visit for a few hours of the day to engage in social activities and be looked after, returning to their home at night.
Respite care: A care home where your loved one can stay for a few days to a few weeks. This might be useful if anyone needs to take a break, recover from illness or if something unexpected happens that prevents a carer from looking after someone for a while.
Residential care homes: A care home where your loved one can move in to receive full-time support with trained professionals on hand.
Nursing care homes: Similar to a residential care home, but more adequate if your loved one has specific medical needs that require them to be supervised by a nurse.
Complex Needs suites: Dedicated care facilities that accommodate individuals with care needs that go beyond what a residential or nursing facility can manage. They might offer staff with specialist training, have 2 or more staff dedicated to caring each individual around the clock, or provide facilities or services for particular needs.
The most appropriate care for your loved one will depend on their needs and their symptoms. At Ascot Care, we provide tailored support for people living with dementia, whether you prefer to get help in your own home, at one of our care homes, or in our complex needs suite.
We offer free consultations for all our services, and carry out a thorough pre-assessment of the needs of your loved one, to ensure we can provide the level of care you need.
What are the benefits of professional dementia care?
Professional care can improve the quality of life for both the person living with dementia, and their family members. Depending on the setting, its benefits might include:
Access to trained dementia specialists
Relief for family members and peace of mind
A safe and supportive environment
Structured routines to reduce anxiety
Activities that keep people’s minds and bodies as active as possible
It also helps to reduce carer stress, which is vital for maintaining healthy family relationships.
Where can I find trusted information and support?
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. These organisations offer free, reliable advice and resources:
Alzheimer’s Society: helpline, factsheets, and local support services
Age UK: practical advice, support for carers, and help finding local services
NHS Dementia Guide: symptoms, diagnosis, and care options
Carers UK: support for those looking after a friend or relative
If you're unsure where to begin, our team at Ascot Care is here to help. Contact us to talk through your situation, explain care options, and help you take the next step with confidence.
You’re not alone — and with the right support, things can get easier.