Question 1

What is dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is described in the supplied resource as affecting memory, thinking, behaviour, communication, and daily functioning. It is progressive, and each person’s experience is different.A person living with dementia may experience forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty following conversations, mood changes, or reduced ability to manage daily tasks.The supplied resource explains that dementia is caused by changes in the brain, not deliberate behaviour. This means changes in behaviour may be a sign that the person is frightened, confused, uncomfortable, unwell, overwhelmed, or trying to communicate a need.Sudden changes in behaviour, mobility, appetite, sleep, confusion, or general wellbeing should be discussed with a GP or health professional.

Question 2

How can I support someone living with dementia day to day?

Accepted Answer

Helpful support is usually calm, familiar, and centred on the person.It can help to understand the person’s routines, preferences, life story, cultural background, and what helps them feel safe. What works one day may not always work the next, so it is okay to pause, adjust, and try again later if something is not urgent.Small, practical steps can help:Break tasks into smaller steps.Give one instruction at a time.Allow extra time.Offer gentle prompts.Offer one or two simple choices.Encourage independence where it is safe.Use reassurance rather than correction.Keep the environment calm and familiar.
The aim is not to do everything perfectly or take over everything. The aim is to support dignity, safety, comfort, and independence where possible.

Question 3

Why might someone with dementia become distressed or resist care?

Accepted Answer

A person living with dementia may become distressed, refuse help, or react strongly when something feels confusing, frightening, rushed, painful, or overwhelming.Possible triggers can include pain, infection, constipation, tiredness, hunger, thirst, too much noise, too much light, too many people, or feeling a loss of control.A sudden change in behaviour, sleep, appetite, mobility, confusion, or general wellbeing should be discussed with a GP or health professional.

Question 4

What can I do if someone becomes upset or refuses help?

Accepted Answer

Pause first.Sometimes the most helpful thing is to stop, give the person space, and try again later if the task is not urgent.You might try:Speaking calmly and softly.Acknowledging the person’s feelings.Saying something simple, such as: “I can see this is upsetting.”Offering one or two simple choices.Breaking the task into smaller steps.Redirecting with music, a familiar object, a photo, or another activity.Trying to argue, rush, or correct the person may make the situation harder.

Question 5

What if behaviour becomes aggressive or unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Safety comes first.Stay calm if you can, step back, and give the person physical space. Speak softly and reduce possible triggers such as noise, bright lights, crowds, or too many instructions.Avoid arguing or trying to reason through the situation in the moment. Simple reassurance may help, such as:
“You’re safe. I’m here to help.”Move out of reach if needed.Seek professional support if behaviour becomes unsafe, changes suddenly, or becomes overwhelming. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Question 6

What should I avoid doing?

Accepted Answer

Try not to:Argue or correct harshly.Rush the person unnecessarily.Overload them with too many choices.Speak about them as though they are not present.Ignore sudden changes in health or behaviour.
Restraints should not be used unless clinically directed.

Question 7

What activities can help?

Accepted Answer

Meaningful activity can support wellbeing and may help reduce boredom, frustration, distress, and isolation.Helpful activities are usually familiar, achievable, and matched to the person’s interests and abilities.Examples include:Folding towels.Sorting items.Gardening.Listening to music.Looking through photos.Reminiscence activities.Puzzles.Sensory objects.Short walks.Stretching or chair-based exercise.Small group or community activities.The activity does not need to be perfect. What matters most is comfort, connection, dignity, and participation.

Question 8

How can the environment help?

Accepted Answer

A calm and familiar environment can support independence and reduce confusion.Helpful changes may include:Good lighting.Clear signs or labels.Less clutter.Lower noise.Safe outdoor areas.Familiar objects, photos, and keepsakes.Simple routines.Small changes to the environment can help the person feel more settled and secure.

Question 9

Why is planning ahead important?

Accepted Answer

Planning ahead can reduce stress and help make sure the person’s wishes are understood.
This may include thinking about:Future care needs.Respite options.Home safety.Advance care planning.Powers of attorney.Legal and financial planning.Residential care options, if they are needed later.
These conversations can be difficult. They are often easier when started early, handled gently, and supported by the right professionals.

Question 10

How can carers look after themselves?

Accepted Answer

Supporting someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Your wellbeing matters too.
It can help to:Take breaks.Accept help.Keep your own health appointments.Talk to trusted people.Connect with support groups.Learn about respite options early.
Using respite or asking for help is not a failure. It can help protect the wellbeing of both the person living with dementia and the people supporting them.

Question 11

When should I seek help?

Accepted Answer

Seek help early if:Behaviour becomes unsafe.Behaviour changes suddenly.The person seems to be in pain.There are signs of infection, delirium, dehydration, or sudden confusion.Eating, drinking, sleeping, walking, or daily functioning changes quickly.The situation becomes overwhelming for the person supporting them.
A GP, memory clinic, dementia support service, respite provider, or aged-care service may be able to help.
For immediate danger or urgent medical help, call Triple Zero (000).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is dementia?

How can I support someone living with dementia day to day?

Why might someone with dementia become distressed or resist care?

What can I do if someone becomes upset or refuses help?

What if behaviour becomes aggressive or unsafe?

What should I avoid doing?

What activities can help?

How can the environment help?

Why is planning ahead important?

How can carers look after themselves?

When should I seek help?

Pakenham
Day Respite Centre

Emerald
Day Respite Centre

Phone

Subscribe

Fernlea
Community
House

Need Help Now?

Free Copies Available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dementia?

How can I support someone living with dementia day to day?

Why might someone with dementia become distressed or resist care?

What can I do if someone becomes upset or refuses help?

What if behaviour becomes aggressive or unsafe?

What should I avoid doing?

What activities can help?

How can the environment help?

Why is planning ahead important?

How can carers look after themselves?

When should I seek help?

Pakenham Day Respite Centre

Emerald Day Respite Centre

Phone

Subscribe

Fernlea Community House

Pakenham
Day Respite Centre

Emerald
Day Respite Centre

Fernlea
Community
House