Engaging With Your Loved One

A free guide to help families understand dementia, connect with warmth and confidence, and make everyday moments meaningful — whether you’re visiting in a care home or spending time together at home.
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Family member connecting with an elderly woman living with dementia during a calm supportive visit

A compassionate dementia guide for families (home or care home visits)

Engaging With Your Loved One is a compassionate, practical guide for families supporting someone living with dementia. It’s designed to help you connect with warmth and confidence — whether you’re visiting in a care home or spending time together at home.

Inside you’ll find guidance on understanding dementia, choosing the right moments to visit, meaningful activity ideas (including music, reminiscence, sensory and self-care), and how to respond more compassionately in common situations — without correcting or dismissing feelings.

Who it’s for

Created for family members and friends of someone living with dementia, as well as anyone who wants practical ideas to support calm, comfort and connection during visits.

What's in this guide?

  • How dementia can affect memory, planning, perception, communication and mood
  • Planning visits around the best time of day (including “sundowning” awareness)
  • Meaningful activities: music, reminiscence, sensory, self-care, walks and memory boxes
  • Compassionate communication swaps (connect with feelings first, then gently redirect)
  • Support for difficult moments: not being recognised, aggression, inappropriate behaviour
  • Practical tips to reduce triggers (noise, hunger/thirst, temperature, pain/infection)
  • Reminders that calm is contagious — and distress always has an underlying cause