Understanding Dementia and How to Live Well with It

Dementia is a term many of us have heard, yet few truly understand. It’s often associated with forgetfulness, confusion, or old age – but dementia is far more complex and deeply personal. It’s a progressive condition that affects the brain, gradually impairing memory, communication, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. But crucially, dementia doesn’t erase the essence of a person. At U&I Care, we believe that with the right environment and compassionate, culturally sensitive support, people with dementia can continue to live well – with dignity, comfort, and connection – in the place they know best: their own home.

What Families Need to Know

Dementia is not a single disease. Rather, it is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily life. The most common types of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease – characterised by gradual memory loss and confusion
• Vascular dementia – often the result of strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain
• Lewy body dementia – associated with sleep issues, visual hallucinations, and mobility problems
• Frontotemporal dementia – which primarily affects behaviour, language, and judgement

Although symptoms may vary depending on the type, many families first notice early signs such as:

• Forgetting names, appointments, or recent conversations
• Difficulty following conversations or making decisions
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Mood changes, depression, or irritability
• Withdrawal from hobbies or social activities

It can be distressing to witness these changes. But it’s important to remember that early recognition and support can make a significant difference. Diagnosis opens the door to care planning, emotional support, and – most importantly – the chance to focus on what your loved one can still do.

More Than a Diagnosis: Seeing the Person First

At U&I Care, we approach dementia care by putting the person before the condition. A diagnosis does not define someone — their personality, culture, values and preferences still matter. Maintaining a sense of identity is essential for wellbeing, particularly as memory begins to fade.

We ask questions like:

• What music brings them joy?
• What faith or rituals are important?
• What meals do they find comforting?
• How do they like to start and end their day?
• What language or dialect do they feel safest communicating in?

The answers help us build care that honours the whole person, not just their needs, but their story.

How U&I Care Supports People with Dementia

We offer live-in dementia care that’s tailored, empathetic, and grounded in routine. Our goal is to create calm, stability and connection — every day. Here’s what our care includes:

• Compassionate live-in carers: Our team provides one-to-one, round-the-clock support, building trust and familiarity.
• Familiar routines: We establish and maintain comforting daily rhythms — meals, rest, prayer, hobbies — to reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
• Support with medication and nutrition: We assist with health needs and ensure meals align with both dietary and cultural preferences.
• Cultural awareness: From language to food to religious practices, we ensure care feels natural and respectful.
• Family communication: We stay in close contact with family members, offering updates, reassurance and partnership.

Our approach also includes gentle encouragement to remain active, whether that’s through light exercise, listening to music, or taking part in simple tasks. We adapt our care as needs change, but always with the person’s dignity at the centre.

Why Home is Often the Best Place

Many people with dementia thrive in their own homes. Familiar surroundings help reduce confusion, support memory, and lower anxiety. Home allows for personal space, control over one’s environment, and a sense of continuity. For families, it also brings peace of mind to know that their loved one is cared for in a safe, supportive setting.

Live-in care is a practical, deeply personal alternative to residential care homes – especially for those who value cultural familiarity, spiritual practices, or simply the comfort of staying close to their routines and community.

What is dementia?

Dementia changes many things – but it doesn’t change who your loved one is. At U&I Care, we see the individual, not just the illness. We’re here to help them live safely, comfortably and meaningfully at home, with support that is thoughtful, respectful and reliable.

Call U&I Care today on 0333 3050 564 or fill out the form and we will be in touch.