Day Care at Home for people with dementia is vital - here is why

People with dementia thrive on continuity and familiarity. This can help to reduce stress, confusion, and anxiety (often commonly experienced by those with the condition) which is why receiving care in their home is extremely beneficial.

It allows them to remain in their own environment surrounded by their belongings and routines and provides structure for their day and a sense of comfort and well-being.

For the past two years, in my role with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, I deliver care to people in their homes, as part of the Day Care at Home service.

For a set number of hours every week, I provide one-to-one dementia-specific, activities-based support, and cognitive and social stimulation to people living with the condition. Basically, whatever the person enjoys doing, that’s what we do!

It can be anything and everything. Activities are tailored to the person’s specific needs and preferences and can vary from knitting, colouring and singing to baking, gardening, and going for walks.

Whatever excites them, provides meaning, and brings them to a happy place – I will help them to do it in a safe manner. 

It is all about supporting their personhood and helping them to maintain their sense of independence and autonomy, in a warm and secure environment.

Much of the care involves reminiscence therapy; the person often shares stories from when they were younger.

I love what I do; I always wanted to care, and I learn so much from the people I support. There is one person who likes chatting about farming – and Christy Ring, the hurler! He is also interested in Geography – I never listened in Geography class in school, but I listen to him. And history as well – I enjoy hearing about times gone by.

I can waltz but one of my clients really wanted to teach me how to do it – so she will dance with me and when she sees me, she just looks at me and laughs. It is brilliant that as part of my work, I can bring that happiness and excitement to someone.

Patience when caring for a person with dementia is particularly important and remaining calm – when you’re calm, they’re calm. 

And being a good listener. People with the condition can tend to repeat themselves but I always listen with the same enjoyment as if they’re saying it for the first time.

Not only does the service benefit the person with dementia, it also offers much-needed respite to family carers. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and stressful, particularly as the condition progresses. It is so important that family carers get a break from their caregiving responsibilities – just so they can breathe, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being supported to live their best quality of life in their own home.

When people are in their own environment, they thrive – they’re happy. I have witnessed firsthand the meaning and value the Day Care at Home service brings – to the person with dementia, the carer and their families. The more people who can access the service, the better.

It might sound like a cliché but to me, my work in Day Care at Home is so much more than a job. It’s lovely to spend time with people, enjoy their company, and help to put smiles on their faces. And most importantly, knowing I am helping to keep them safe – there is nothing as quite as rewarding as that.’

MORE INFORMATION

An estimated 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland. That number is expected to more than double by 2045. Dementia is a complex and challenging condition for which there is no cure. But there is hope.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is calling for increased investment in Day Care at Home in Budget 2025 so more people with dementia and their family carers can avail of this life-enhancing service. For more information, please visit: Alzheimer.ie.

In January, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland launched the evaluation of their Day Care at Home Service report which highlighted significant positive benefits for people living with dementia and their families.

For information and support, contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s National Helpline in confidence on 1800 341 341.