Many people living with dementia want to stay in the home they know. Familiar rooms, routines and neighbours can make each day easier. With the right support, staying at home is often possible for longer than families expect.
This guide covers practical steps families can take, and how in-home support fits in.
Why familiar routines matter
Dementia affects memory, planning and the ability to cope with change. A predictable day helps. Meals, showers, walks and bedtime at roughly the same times can reduce confusion and distress.
Try to keep:
- The same order of morning tasks each day
- Furniture and everyday items in the same places
- Visits from the same few people
- Calm, simple instructions, one step at a time
Making the home safer
Small changes can prevent common problems:
- Good lighting in hallways and bathrooms, including night lights
- Removing loose rugs and clutter from walkways
- Clear labels or pictures on cupboards
- A safe place for medications, with a simple routine for taking them
- Checking the stove, heaters and door locks
An occupational therapist can visit the home and suggest changes for your loved one’s specific needs.
Where in-home carers help
As dementia progresses, families often need help with:
- Showering, dressing and grooming
- Preparing meals and making sure they are eaten
- Medication prompts
- Company during the day, so your loved one is not alone for long periods
- Short outings to keep them connected to their community
Consistency is just as important as the tasks. Our carers receive dementia-specific training, so they know how to keep routines calm, communicate clearly and respond to changes in behaviour. At Konex Care, we match a small team of familiar carers to your loved one and introduce them before support begins. When a regular carer is away, we arrange a replacement and tell you in advance.
Looking after the family carer
Caring for someone with dementia can be exhausting. Regular respite gives you time to rest while your loved one stays at home with someone they know.
The National Dementia Helpline, run by Dementia Australia, offers free advice and support for families on 1800 100 500.
Funding the support
If your loved one is approved for Support at Home through My Aged Care, Konex Care can deliver their services through our registered partner provider. If you are still waiting for an assessment, private care can usually start within days. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to begin.
Talk to us
We visit families across the suburbs near our Murrumbeena office.
Book a free consultation at home or at our Murrumbeena office, or call (03) 8524 7699. There is no cost and no obligation.
Read more about dementia care at home.