Help & advice

Dementia typically affects individuals aged 65 and over, but early signs of the condition can also develop in people who are much younger. If you have any concerns at all about your mental health or that of a loved one, contact your doctor as soon as possible to ensure you are getting the best available support and treatment for your needs.

If you are concerned that you may be developing a dementia, it’s important that you consult a professional. If you are worried about a friend or loved one, encouraging them to see their GP is the best way to support them.

The onset of dementia can adversely affect an individual’s ability to eat, but maintaining a healthy diet is vital for improving health and wellbeing. Issues with communication, tiredness or depression due to dementia can make it difficult for people living with the condition to eat properly. Some types of dementia can make swallowing more difficult and some conditions associated with ageing can be unhelpful, too.

Every individual living with dementia has different needs, meaning the level of care they require will vary. It is important to try to encourage the person requiring your help to ‘lead the way’ regarding the level of support they might require. Here are some top tips for looking after someone living with dementia.

Staying active - both physically and socially - can help people living with dementia to feel happy and fulfilled in their day-to-day life.Take a look at our guide on activities for people living with dementia.

Use this detailed checklist to make sure you ask all the right questions when visiting homes so you’re able to make informed choices.

Everything you need to know about planned or emergency short-term stays in a care home.

A heart warming story to help children to understand dementia and care home life through gran's eyes

A charming, positive story to help children to understand dementia and care home life for grandad.

Assisted living enables you to live in a home of your own while receiving care as and when you need it. Live alongside people of a similar age make friends and share interests.

Comprehensive guidance on everything you need to know to find the right home for you or a loved one.

At Barchester we strongly believe people living with dementia should enjoy a fulfilled and happy life, with specialist support to continue doing the things they love every day. As a sector-leading provider of dementia care we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of specialist care with dignity and respect for each individual. We're committed to helping families by providing the best possible support for their loved one.

There are many things to consider when making a decision to move yourself or a family member into a care home, including understanding the types of care needed, whether you or your family member will be happy there and also how to pay for your life in the care home.

We understand that sometimes it's difficult to know where to start and the thought of paying for care can seem daunting. We've designed this guide to try and answer some of the questions you may have along your journey when choosing a care home.