Your Questions Answered: Dementia Advice from Our Director, Michele

# Your Questions Answered: Dementia Advice from Our Director, Michele When you’re caring for someone with dementia, questions come thick and fast. Some are practical, some emotional, most are both. At HP Homecare, we’re often asked for advice by families who feel unsure, overwhelmed, or just need someone to help make sense of it all. Our founder and Care Director, Michele, has spent over 25 years offering dementia care support to families across London and beyond. Her guidance is always rooted in experience — calm, honest, and deeply personal. Below, she answers five of the questions families ask us most often. ## 1. “How do I know if my loved one is still safe at home?” Michele says: Look for patterns. Are they managing the basics, eating, hygiene, moving around, without putting themselves in danger? Watch for signs like unexplained injuries, scorched pans, confusion with medication, or doors left unlocked. It’s rarely one big incident. More often, it’s a build-up of small concerns that signals a need to reassess. But that doesn’t always mean moving to a care home. With the right dementia care support, many people can stay safely at home far longer than expected. ## 2. “What do I do when they don’t recognise me?” Michele says: It’s heartbreaking but try not to take it personally. Dementia affects memory in unpredictable ways. They may not recognise your face in the moment, but that doesn’t mean the emotional connection is gone. Stay calm, speak gently, and introduce yourself kindly — “It’s me, your daughter, Sarah.” Don’t argue if they get it wrong. The goal isn’t to correct them, but to keep them feeling safe and supported. ## 3. “How do I stop them wandering at night?” Michele says: Night-time restlessness is common, particularly in the mid-to-late stages of dementia. It can be caused by disorientation, broken sleep, or simply forgetting it’s night-time. Simple adjustments can help: a soft nightlight, blackout blinds, a clear sign on the bedroom door. Some families leave a reassuring note by the bed: “It’s night-time now. You are safe at home.” If wandering continues, speak to a care professional, there may be underlying medical or behavioural causes worth exploring. ## 4. “Is it normal for their mood to change so quickly?” Michele says: Yes, mood swings are common in dementia. They can be triggered by frustration, fear, confusion, or even by picking up on your emotions. Keeping routines consistent and the environment calm can help. But if difficult moments arise, don’t blame yourself. Take a breath, give it a moment, and try again gently. This is part of the journey, and it’s OK to need help. ## 5. “How do I know if I’m doing the right thing?” Michele says: If you’re even asking that question, chances are, you are. There’s no perfect way to care for someone with dementia. If your loved one feels safe, and you have support around you, that’s what matters most. This isn’t something you have to face alone. ## Thoughtful Dementia Advice, When You Need It Most Every family’s experience is different, but the questions are often the same. At HP Homecare, we offer dementia care support that’s practical, compassionate, and shaped by real experience. If you’d like more in-depth guidance, explore [Dementia Compass](https://www.hphomecare.co.uk/dementia-compass), our free online training resource. It’s full of clear, expert-led dementia advice to help you navigate care at home, with confidence and calm.