Read Mrs M's journey with Dementia

Published: 30/01/2025

Care for clients with Dementia- Client’s story

At Right at Home Reigate and Crawley, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, compassionate care to our clients. Supporting individuals living with dementia requires patience, understanding, and a tailored approach. One such example is our work with the client, an 88-year-old client living independently at home despite her dementia diagnosis.

Client’s journey with Dementia 

Mrs. M's dementia primarily affects her long- and short-term memory. While she is fortunate to remain independent with personal care, and grooming, she struggles to follow a safe routine and often forgetting to take medication, eating meals and feeling lonely. This has been a source of sadness for the client's family, particularly during conversations when loved ones highlight forgetfulness or emphasise the importance of specific tasks. This causes unintentional upset. 

Despite these challenges, the client enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations and cherishes companionship. However, as her condition progressed, her family began to feel that she might benefit from additional support.

Right at Home Reigate and Crawley’s Intervention

In September 2024, Right at Home started visiting the client once a day. Initially, the transition was challenging for her. The client needed time to adjust to having a caregiver, and her family expressed uncertainty about whether the arrangement was truly beneficial.

During this adjustment period, our team focused on getting to know the client, understanding her unique needs, and finding ways to provide meaningful support. This personalised approach proved essential in helping the client feel comfortable and supported.

Teams approach to care

The admin team carefully matched the client with one of our dedicated caregivers; she began visiting the client regularly and kept in touch with the admin team. The caregiver’s approach was rooted in empathy, patience, and building trust. The main objectives were to ensure the client took her medication, prepare simple meals, and provide companionship. However, the caregiver quickly realised that supporting the client exceeded these tasks.

The caregiver engaged the client in friendly, open-ended conversations, showing genuine interest in her stories and anecdotes. Even when the conversations became repetitive, the caregiver understood the importance of listening without judgment. She avoided correcting the client or asking questions that might cause confusion or frustration. Instead, she focused on creating a safe and validating environment where the client felt valued and heard.

Through this thoughtful approach, the caregiver built a strong rapport with the client. Over time, the client’s mood improved significantly, and she began to look forward to the caregiver’s visits. The client’s son noticed the positive impact, observing how his mother felt more cheerful and enabled after each visit.

With the caregiver’s consistent and compassionate care, the client’s family saw the actual value of Right at Home’s involvement. They continued with weekday visits to support the client with meals, medication, and companionship. Additionally, they requested that the caregiver visit as often as possible to maintain consistency and ensure the client feels supported.

Our Expertise in Dementia Care

The client’s story highlights the importance of a tailored and empathetic approach to dementia care. At Right at Home Reigate and Crawley, we understand that each client’s journey is unique. Our caregivers are trained to provide person-centred support, prioritising dignity, independence, and emotional well-being.

We recognise that building trust and creating a positive environment can make a difference for clients and their families. By focusing on the individual’s strengths and offering compassionate companionship, we help clients live fulfilling and dignified lives at home.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our specialised dementia care services, please don’t hesitate to contact Right at Home Reigate and Crawley. We are here to support you every step of the way.