One-to-one dementia care in your own home
Are you or a loved one living with dementia? We understand how difficult it can be – not only for the person living with the condition, but for their loved ones, too.
At Novus Care, we provide holistic dementia home care services that focus on improving quality of life with tailored practical and emotional support. Whether you’re adjusting to a dementia diagnosis or supporting a loved one with late-stage dementia, we’ll be by your side at every step.
As a CQC-regulated care agency, we have more than 10 years of experience caring for people with dementia at home. All our carers are employed directly by us and undergo specialist dementia care training. From 24/7 Alzheimer’s home care to visiting Parkinson’s care, we offer flexible support so you can choose the option that best fits your individual circumstances.
Most importantly, it’s one-to-one, dedicated care in your own home. For people living with dementia, being able to stay in the home they know and love can make all the difference.
What is dementia home care?
Dementia home care is a type of condition-led care focused on helping people with dementia live as comfortably and independently as possible.
Living with dementia comes with unique challenges, both for the person affected and the people around them. That’s why our carers focus on emotional support just as much as practical help. We’re here to provide flexible day-to-day assistance and some much-needed compassion as your loved one learns to navigate their changing symptoms.
And we provide all our care at home. Together, we’ll build a routine that supports independence and well-being – all within an environment they know, love and trust.
What do home carers for dementia do?
There are many types of dementia, and no two people respond to their symptoms in the same way.
That’s why our care is tailored to you. We’ll match you with a friendly carer we’re sure you’ll get along with, and we’ll work with you to put together a bespoke care plan. That care plan might include:
• Condition-led care: with Novus Care, you can expect one-to-one care from highly trained home carers for dementia. They understand how to adjust their care to suit your condition and unique needs.
• Personal care: people with dementia often need help washing, dressing and toileting. We’ll provide respectful assistance that maintains privacy and dignity.
• Housework: whether it’s a little help or 24/7 support, we’ll be there to tidy up, do laundry and keep your home a pleasant place to be.
• Preparing meals: your carer can prepare the healthy, nutritious meals you like best, or help around the kitchen as you cook for yourself.
• Medication: keeping track of medication can be challenging. We’ll build medication into daily routines, administering the right dose at the right time.
• Looking after pets: many of our carers are animal lovers and are delighted to help make sure pets get the food and exercise they need.
• Fall prevention: as part of your care plan, we’ll carry out a risk assessment to keep you safe at home. We can also help those with mobility issues get around safely.
• Companionship: just having someone around can make a big difference to anxiety and loneliness and help create a sense of routine.
Your dementia home care options from Novus Care
| Live-in care | Visiting care | Respite care | Overnight care | Palliative care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 support to help you stay as comfortable and independent as possible. | Extra support when you need it - our carers will arrange a visiting schedule and pop in to help. | Short-term care, if you need a break or you are still deciding what you want to do longer term | Help on hand throughout the night - so you can sleep easy and your family can too. | Specialist care focused on comfort, companionship and help managing symptoms. |
| Round the clock care every day | From 30 minutes to 30 hours per week | Round the clock care every day for a few days or weeks | 10pm-7am, every night | As much as needed |
| Could suit you if you live alone or your family can’t provide the support you need. | Could suit you if you are independent but need extra help from time to time. | Could suit you if you are returning home from hospital or if your carer needs to take a break. | Could suit you if you have support during the day but need help at night. | Often provided to those in the late stages of dementia. |
| Key support: | Key support: | Key support: | Key support: | Key support: |
| Health care | Health care | Health care | Health care | Comfort |
| Personal care | Personal care | Personal care | Personal care | Companionship |
| Mobility | Mobility | Mobility | Mobility | Managing symptoms |
| Help with chores | Help with chores | Help with chores | Help with chores |
Visiting dementia home care
If you or your loved one is independent but needs a little extra help at home, visiting care can be a good start. We’ll send a trained carer to visit you at home when it suits you best. For instance, they might pop round in the morning to help with dressing, personal care, cooking breakfast and administering medication. These visits could be as little as 30 minutes each week at first, with room for visits to increase as needs change.
Live-in dementia care at home
As dementia symptoms progress, it’s common for people to need 24/7 care. That’s when many families choose live-in dementia care. With this option, a carer moves in to your loved one’s home and provides one-to-one care around the clock. All our live-in dementia carers are specially trained to support people with different types of dementia. So, you can rest assured there’ll always be an expert on hand to help.
Dementia respite care
Respite care is a temporary care option that can last as little as two weeks. If you’re a family carer and need to take a break, we’ll send a trained dementia carer to support your loved one while you’re away. For them, that means minimal disruption and distress. We’ll be very careful to maintain their day-to-day routine, making sure medication, mealtimes, personal care and hobbies happen at a schedule they’re used to.
Overnight dementia care
It’s common for people living with dementia to need extra support at night, perhaps because of wandering or interrupted sleep. With overnight care, you can all have peace of mind that they’ll get the support and reassurance they need. We’ll send a carer to stop over from late night until early morning. They can either stay awake all night or sleep in a spare room, ready to get up and help straight away if needed.
Palliative/end-of-life care
Palliative care is a specialist care option that focuses on keeping a person comfortable and managing the symptoms of their condition. It’s often called ‘end-of-life care’, but it doesn’t have to be at the end of a person’s life. Palliative care can offer comfort and reassurance at any stage of dementia, especially when it’s delivered in the familiar environment of a person’s home.
Not sure which type of dementia care is the right choice? Get in touch. We’ll talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a condition that affects brain functions, such as memory, language skills and information processing. There are many types of dementia. The most common types are Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
Dementia is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms worsen over time. There is currently no cure. However, the onset of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some may deteriorate very quickly, while others can continue living independently for many years before needing specialist care.
At Novus Care, we believe receiving dementia care at home is the best way to adapt to the symptoms and challenges of dementia. Moving a loved one into a care home is an option. However, choosing dementia home care provides the same level of specialist support in an environment where they feel comfortable and secure.
Care tailored to your condition – and to you
Our dementia care is condition-led and person-centred. That means:
• All our care is tailored around your condition and how it affects you specifically
• We treat all our clients as equals, respecting their individual needs, preferences and sense of dignity
That’s why our carers undergo specialist training to support people living with different types of dementia. They understand that no two experiences of dementia are exactly alike, and are committed to tailoring their support around each person’s needs, preferences and daily routines.
Types of dementia we support
Alzheimer’s care at home
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease caused by abnormal proteins in the brain. Signs often start as occasional forgetfulness, before slowly and steadily progressing to symptoms like deep confusion, personality changes and difficulty speaking. Unlike some other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s typically doesn’t affect mobility until very late in the disease.
Alzheimer’s is very common. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and Alzheimer’s makes up roughly 60% to 80% of these cases (Alzheimer’s Association).
At Novus Care, we have extensive experience providing home care for patients with Alzheimer’s. Our carers are trained to help manage the unique challenges that can come with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, from communication difficulties to sundowning (evening agitation and confusion). And like all our services, we tailor our Alzheimer’s home care to the needs and preferences of you or your loved one.
Vascular dementia care
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It’s caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (strokes or mini-strokes), which kills brain cells.
The most common early symptom is executive dysfunction – difficulty with planning and decision-making. People with vascular dementia also often experience physical symptoms early on, such as balance issues and slower walking.
Vascular dementia typically progresses in steps. There will be periods of stability followed by sudden and steep changes in symptoms. Our carers are trained to provide practical and emotional support to help navigate this difficult progression, as well as the personality changes that often come with vascular dementia.
Parkinson’s care
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a buildup of proteins called ‘Lewy bodies’ in the brain. It begins with physical symptoms like tremors (shaking) and stiffness. Cognitive symptoms, such as slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating and memory loss, typically follow years later.
This slow progression means people with Alzheimer’s can often live independently at home during the early stages of the disease. With the right care and therapy, they may be able to stay active, engage in hobbies and even work for many years.
That’s why our Parkinson’s care is all about making sure our clients can live independent and fulfilling lives for as long as possible. And as symptoms change, our support adapts so you’ll get the right care throughout your Parkinson’s journey.
Learn more about Parkinson’s care at home.
What are the benefits of receiving care at home for dementia?
We believe that home is the best place for care – and researchers agree. In a 2015 study of people living with dementia and their carers, many said a ‘safe and familiar environment’ was important for reducing confusion and staying independent.¹
Are you still deciding whether dementia care at home is the right choice for you? Here are some of the benefits you can expect.
| One-to-one care | Independence | Familiarity |
| Receiving dementia care in your own home means getting one-to-one support from a friendly, expert carer. This kind of one-to-one support isn’t possible in a care home. | We build our support around our clients’ individual needs and preferences. It’s all about helping them live comfortably and independently for longer. | A familiar environment and fixed routine are really important for people living with dementia. By staying at home, they are staying in a place with comfort, security and memories attached. |
| Flexibility | Peace and quiet | Friends and family |
| Managing changing symptoms can be difficult for everyone. We adjust our support so you receive the right care as your needs change. | Care homes can be noisy and distressing. Receiving dementia care at home means getting tailored support in a quiet, peaceful environment. | It’s your home and your routine. Friends and relatives are free to visit just as easily as before, so those living with dementia can enjoy an active social life. |
| Better sleep | Emotional support | Hobbies and interests |
| It is common for those living with dementia to experience disrupted sleep. We provide plenty of stimulation during the day so they sleep more soundly at night. | Emotional support is just as important as practical help. Our carers are there to support the whole family as they navigate a dementia diagnosis. | It’s easier to continue doing the things you love at home. We encourage all our clients to engage in hobbies and interests for stimulation and well-being. |
Caring for a patient with dementia at home
They keep saying ‘I want to go home’.
This doesn’t always mean the person wants to go to a house where they once lived. Instead, it’s often their way of communicating they want to feel comfortable and safe.
DON’T say something like ‘You’re never going home’. This might make them feel they’ll never be comfortable or safe again.
DO reassure them that they’re in a safe place. Try diverting the conversation to other topics.
They say ‘Help me’, but don’t say what’s wrong.
This might mean that your loved one is struggling to communicate a need.
DON’T ask the person ‘What’s wrong?’ or ‘What do you want?’ If they can’t find the words to explain, this may only increase their distress.
DO ask a few questions that call for short answers. For example, ‘Are you warm enough?’ or ‘Do you need help to get to the bathroom?’ This may calm them. As you leave, reassure them that you’ll see them soon. Tell them you care about them.
They ask, ‘Who are you and why are you here?’
As dementia progresses, it’s normal for loved ones to forget faces – even familiar ones.
Sit down at eye level and identify yourself quietly. Provide reassurance. Change the subject by offering, for instance, a cup of tea.
They say their deceased husband or wife has visited that day.
This could happen for several reasons:
- They may simply be expressing a wish.
- They might be thinking about dying and about loved ones who have died.
- They may have forgotten that their spouse has died. At times, the memory of their husband or wife alive can be stronger than the memory of their death.
In any case, don’t tell them that their spouse has died and can never visit. This will likely cause shock and grief. To them, it may be like hearing the news for the first time.
If they ask, ‘Where is my husband?’, say ‘I haven’t seen him’, ‘It would be nice to see him’ or ‘How wonderful to have a long, happy marriage.’ These comments will feel more positive and comforting.
How should I communicate if my loved one has short-term memory loss?
Give frequent cues and reminders – especially about where they are and what time it is.
For example, you could say, ‘We had a nice lunch earlier, and soon it will be time for dinner.’
You could also try talking about events from long ago. Some people are most comfortable talking about when they were raising a family, for instance, or the work they once did.
Is it safe for them to leave the house?
You should always try to make arrangements so they can leave the house safely.
If there are no neighbours or family members available, you can hire local dementia carers to help them safely take a walk. It’s also worth looking for local dementia services, groups and organisations that can help your loved one get out and about.
Why won’t they eat the food they’ve prepared?
It’s very common for people with dementia to refuse meals or lack appetite.
If they refuse food, don’t be afraid to try again later in the day. To make mealtimes easier, try cooking dishes you know they like and choose easily identifiable food.
How can I help maintain a steady routine?
Daily routines can provide a valuable sense of security and order for those living with dementia. It’s important in the early stages, and only becomes more important as they begin to lose awareness of time.
To help establish a daily routine, you could try displaying a weekly planner. Include doctor’s appointments, family visits and other key events. You could also include prompts to remind your loved one to shower, eat and dress.
How can I make their home dementia-friendly?
There are several ways to help make a person’s home more dementia friendly:
- Make sure lighting is as bright and natural as possible.
- Make sure tables are stable, at a suitable height and have smooth edges.
- Remove rugs and mats (these can be tripping hazards).
- Remove mirrors and reflecting surfaces if possible. These can be confusing, as they can misinterpret what they’re seeing.
Specially made dementia-friendly items can also help. For instance, you can buy telephones with big buttons, and clocks with large LCDs showing the day, date and time.
How can I help make sure they get a good night’s sleep?
It’s common for people with dementia to experience disrupted sleep.
To help them rest soundly, it’s important to make sure they’re stimulated during the day and to avoid naps. Research shows that those who participate in one to two hours of social activity per day experience better sleep at night.
Having a familiar daily routine can help them make sense of the time, which might make sleep easier. The same is true for their bedtime routine. An hour before bedtime, encourage them to use the toilet, brush their teeth, change for bed and have a warm, caffeine-free drink.
How can I stop them wandering at night?
Wandering is common. Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, and many wander more frequently (Alzheimer’s Society).
One of the main triggers for wandering is looking for a bathroom. They may open the wrong door and end up in the wrong room.
Another trigger is poor sleep habits. If they wake at odd times during the night, it’s a good idea to look at their daytime routine. Try to provide more stimulating activities and discourage unnecessary napping.
They could also be too hot or too cold. Adjust the thermostat and make sure they’re using the right sleepwear and bedding for the season.
Finally, they could simply be hungry. Make sure their bedtime routine includes a light snack.
What should I do if they won’t let me help with personal care needs?
People living with dementia experience emotions and feel embarrassed, just like the rest of us. That’s why it’s really important to stop if they’re distressed.
Encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves, as this will help them feel capable and independent.
Remember that even the way we wash ourselves has changed over the years. Older people might associate keeping clean with a tin bath and a bar of soap.
So, be sure to explore different ways of washing. You could try washing at the same time to help them feel less self-conscious, or even massaging their hands in warm water.
How can I encourage them to use the toilet?
If they’re refusing to use the toilet, it might simply be because they can’t find it.
People living with dementia can experience difficulties making sense of the world around them. For them, it can be hard to tell the difference between a white toilet seat and a white floor.
Try swapping the toilet seat for a new one in another colour. And always enter the bathroom first. This will encourage loved ones to follow.
How can I explain dementia to my child?
Children want adults to be open and honest about a dementia diagnosis. So, tell the truth in an age-appropriate way.
Remember that children are very observant and pick up on things quickly. Trying to shield them from the reality of dementia might only make them worry more. It’s better to be honest and answer their questions as they arise.
Where can I get help and support as a family carer?
A good place to start is to contact your local council. They can carry out care and support assessments to determine whether you qualify for social care support. All assessments are free of charge.
There are also charities that can help. Your local branch of Age UK or the Alzheimer’s Society can provide a wealth of information about helplines, groups and services in your area.
And remember: we’re ready to support you, too. Our flexible dementia home care services let you choose support that fits your needs, even if that’s just a two-week respite care break.
Why choose Novus Care for dementia home care?
| We care | We’re local | We’re regulated | We’re experts |
|---|---|---|---|
| As a family-run care agency with 10+ years’ experience, we truly care about providing the best possible support. | With branches across the country, we can support people in every town and village in England. | Novus Care is registered with the Care Quality Commission. You can trust in the quality of our care. | We’re very proud of our carers. They’re highly trained, DBS-checked and wonderful, caring people. |
Residential care vs dementia care at home
Moving into a care home (residential care) isn’t the only option for people living with dementia. We provide specialist dementia care at home because we believe this is the best choice for most people.
Here’s a quick comparison between residential care and dementia home care:
| Dementia home care | Residential care |
|---|---|
| One-to-one dementia care in your own home | Shared support in a care home |
| Familiar surroundings and routine | Unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted routine |
| Family and friends can visit | Can feel isolating as visiting hours are often limited |
| Couples can stay together | Few care homes offer accommodation for married couples |
| You can keep beloved pets | Pets aren’t allowed at care homes |
| Choices of meals, hobbies and social life | Set meals, activities and social rules |
How much will I pay for live-in dementia care?
Our dementia home care costs vary depending on the type of dementia, its progression and the person’s individual needs. For a single person, live-in care prices typically start from around £1,119 to £1,500 per week.
While prices vary, choosing dementia care in your own home is often more affordable than moving into a care home. And you can save even more if you receive care as a couple, because you only pay for one carer. In a care home, you’d have to pay for two beds.
| Single Person | Starts from £1199 per week |
| Couple | Starts from £1499 per week |
| Respite Care (minimum of 2 weeks) | Starts from £1250 per week |
| Complex Care | Starts from £1500 per week |
Learn more about our live-in care costs.
Download your free dementia home care guide
Are you caring for a person with dementia? We’ve created a free guide to living well with dementia, packed with advice from our experts to help you provide the right support.
Download your free Living with Dementia guide today.
More useful resources
If you or a loved one is living with dementia or you’re concerned about symptoms, you may find these guides helpful:
• What are the signs of dementia?
• What are the seven stages of dementia?
• What happens after a dementia diagnosis?
• Coping when a loved one has dementia
• How to care for someone with Parkinson’s
• What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Your dementia home care questions answered
Can you get dementia care at home?
Yes. Receiving dementia care at home is often a viable option – and, for many people, the preferred choice. It means being able to maintain your routine, keep pets, welcome family members and adapt to a dementia diagnosis in the home you love.
At Novus Care, we provide several types of dementia care, ranging from 30-minute weekly visits to around-the-clock live-in care. That means you can choose the best option for your individual circumstances.
When should someone with dementia go into a care home?
While a care home is an option, it’s not inevitable. With the right support, many people living with dementia can continue to live comfortable lives in the homes they love.
It’s not easy providing dementia care at home, especially as the disease progresses. However, with the support of trained live-in dementia carers, even those in the advanced stages of dementia can stay at home. This support can make life easier and provide peace of mind for family members, too.
Can dementia patients receive palliative care?
Yes. Palliative care can help people living with dementia stay comfortable and maintain their dignity while receiving support tailored to their changing needs.
At Novus Care, we provide palliative home care for patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia. If you choose this option, you can expect highly compassionate and respectful care from specially trained carers.
What is a dementia care plan?
A dementia care plan is a roadmap of support. It lays out day-to-day care needs, including personal care routines, medication schedules, nutrition guidelines and risk management (such as making sure the home is safe).
At Novus Care, every dementia home care client gets a tailored care plan. We’ll work with you to put this together and make sure it covers all your needs or those of your loved one. We’ll stay flexible, too – our care plans are designed to adapt as needs and symptoms change.
Can dementia patients refuse care?
This is a complex topic without a straightforward answer. It all depends on the person’s individual circumstances.
In short, yes – a person can refuse dementia care as long as they have the mental capacity to make that decision. ‘Mental capacity’ means being able to understand the decision that needs to be made, weigh up the options and communicate a choice.
It’s up to healthcare professionals to assess whether a person has mental capacity. If they’re found not to have capacity, the healthcare team will work with family members to make decisions in the person’s best interests.
Can dementia patients get free care?
There are several ways to get help funding your care.
Some people with dementia qualify for NHS continuing healthcare (CHC). This can cover 100% of care costs and is not means-tested, so you’ll get the same amount of help no matter your financial circumstances. You’ll need an assessment from a healthcare team to find out if you qualify.
The other option is to apply to your local council for social care funding. They’ll assess your care needs and financial circumstances. If you qualify, they may fund some or all of your care. This support is means-tested, so the amount you get varies depending on your income and savings.
Learn more about how to fund care.
How to arrange dementia care at home
Are you ready to talk about dementia home care and how we can support you? Whether you have a few questions or want to book a care trial, we’re on hand to help. Get in touch with our friendly team today and we’ll chat about your next steps.
0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected]
1. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 2015 https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317515598857
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