Caring for Someone with Dementia at Home in Birmingham

When to think about more support

• Meals forgotten, or the same meal eaten twice
• Medication missed or muddled
• Leaving the house at night or getting lost on familiar routes
• Post and bills piling up, or doorstep and phone scams
• Falls, weight loss or poor hygiene
• A family carer who is exhausted, unwell or isolated

Making home dementia-friendly

Good lighting, especially at night, helps prevent falls and reduces confusion. Clear, uncluttered walkways, labels or pictures on cupboards, a large-faced clock with the day and date, and contrasting colours (such as a coloured toilet seat) all make everyday life easier. A key safe lets carers and family get in if needed. Your council's occupational therapy team can advise on equipment.

Days and nights

A regular routine, daylight and gentle activity during the day often help with sleep. Many people become more unsettled in the late afternoon and evening; keeping evenings calm and well-lit, and avoiding caffeine later in the day, can help. Music, photographs and familiar tasks are powerful ways to connect when words are harder.

Legal and practical steps

• Lasting Powers of Attorney for finances and for health and welfare, registered with the Office of the Public Guardian
• A care needs assessment from the council, and a carer's assessment for family carers
• Attendance Allowance and a Council Tax disregard check
• A conversation with the GP about a care plan and future wishes

Local and national support

Your GP can refer to the local NHS memory service for assessment and follow-up. The Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line and Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse helpline offer free advice, and across Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country there are dementia cafés, singing groups and carers' groups. When family support isn't enough on its own, live-in dementia care keeps one consistent carer in the home day and night.