Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at Home: What Families Need to Know (and How to Get Support)

When someone you love starts forgetting familiar names, repeating stories, getting confused with time, or struggling with everyday tasks, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath you. Many families tell us the same thing; they knew something was changing, but they weren’t prepared for how emotional, exhausting, and uncertain the next steps would feel.

If you’re here because you’re trying to help a parent, spouse, or loved one live safely and with dignity, you’re not alone. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, families can create a plan that makes daily life feel calmer, safer, and more manageable.

At 613 Home Care Services (613HCS), our approach is simple: personalized care wherever you call home. That means supporting clients in private homes, retirement residences, long-term care homes, and more, always with compassion, consistency, and respect.

Understanding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and everyday functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are others, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

While every person’s experience is different, many families notice changes such as:

• Short-term memory loss and repetitive questions

• Difficulty following conversations or instructions

• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour

• Confusion about time, place, or familiar routines

• Challenges with personal care, meals, or medication

• Increased risk of wandering or falls

One of the hardest parts is that dementia often progresses gradually, which can make it difficult to know when to step in and what kind of help is appropriate.

Why home-based dementia care matters

For many older adults, home represents comfort, independence, and identity. Familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety and confusion, especially as memory changes become more noticeable. Home-based support also allows families to respond to changing needs without the disruption of major transitions.

In-home senior care can be especially helpful when your loved one is still fairly independent but needs extra support to stay safe, keep routines, and avoid isolation.

Home care can help with:

• Maintaining daily structure and comforting routines

• Reducing caregiver stress and burnout

• Supporting nutrition, hydration, and hygiene

• Enhancing safety and fall prevention

• Providing meaningful companionship and cognitive engagement

• Helping families delay or avoid a crisis-driven move

Just as important, home care supports the whole family, not just the individual living with dementia.

Signs it may be time to bring in support

Many caregivers wait until they are completely exhausted, or until something scary happens, like a fall, a kitchen accident, wandering, or sudden decline. If you’re noticing that “it’s getting harder to manage,” that is often the sign.

Consider getting help if you’re experiencing:

• Constant worry when you’re not there

• Increasing tension, conflict, or emotional burnout

• Missed meals, medications, or poor hygiene

• Safety concerns, especially at night

• Your loved one is becoming isolated or fearful

• Your own health, sleep, or work life is suffering

Starting small is often the best approach. A few hours of support each week can make an immediate difference. Please reach out if we can answer any questions.

What dementia care at home can include

Dementia care is not one-size-fits-all. The right plan depends on your loved one’s symptoms, personality, and stage of cognitive change, plus the supports you have as a family.

At 613HCS, our dementia and Alzheimer’s support often includes:

Person-Centred Personal Support 

A personal support worker in Ottawa can assist with day-to-day personal care while preserving dignity and independence, such as:

• Bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting support

• Mobility assistance and fall prevention

• Meal preparation, hydration reminders, and light housekeeping

• Gentle cueing and guidance through daily routines

Brain Changes and Memory Support

This service is designed specifically for cognitive changes, with a focus on calm, reassurance, and consistency:

• Routine-based care to reduce confusion and agitation

• Meaningful companionship and conversation

• Cognitive engagement and familiar activities

• Redirection, validation, and gentle communication strategies

• Support during sundowning or challenging moments

Respite and Companionship for caregivers

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be relentless. Respite care provides a break so you can rest, work, attend appointments, or simply breathe.

Respite can include:

• Scheduled visits for supervision and support

• Overnight support depending on needs

• Companionship to reduce isolation and improve mood

• Time and space for caregivers to reset

Chore Housekeeping

When dementia progresses, everyday household tasks can quickly become unsafe or unmanageable. Light housekeeping support helps maintain a clean, comfortable space that supports well-being.

Holistic Health and Wellbeing

Health is more than tasks and checklists. We consider the emotional, social, and practical parts of care, supporting comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

If dementia has progressed to later stages, families often need compassionate guidance and hands-on support. Our team can provide comfort-focused care and emotional support for both the client and the family.

The benefits of personalized dementia care

Families often tell us they are not just looking for “help,” they’re looking for someone they can trust. Someone who understands dementia, who shows up consistently, and who treats their loved one like a whole person.

Personalized care means:

• Matching caregivers to personality, needs, and preferences

• Building trust through consistent routines and familiar faces

• Adapting the care plan as symptoms change

• Supporting family communication and caregiver education

• Creating safety plans that protect independence, not take it away

How 613 Home Care Services supports Ottawa families

613HCS is a community-focused provider of Ottawa home care, supporting seniors and families with warmth, professionalism, and practical help. We provide care not only in private homes, but also in retirement and long-term care settings, offering families continuity through every stage of need.

What you can expect when you reach out:

• A compassionate conversation, no pressure, no judgement

• A clear understanding of your current situation and concerns

• Recommendations that fit your loved one’s needs and your budget

• Flexible scheduling, from small steps to more ongoing support

• Care that respects culture, preferences, and personal dignity

If you’re unsure what your family needs, that is okay. Many people start by simply talking it through.

You don’t have to do this alone

If you’re navigating dementia or Alzheimer’s care and you feel overwhelmed, tired, or unsure where to begin, we’re here. Support at home can reduce stress, improve safety, and bring back a sense of steadiness for everyone involved.

Contact 613 Home Care Services for a consultation, and let’s talk about what support could look like for your family.

Call: 613-617-4638

Email: info@613HCS.com

Visit: www.613HCS.com