Dementia Care at Home
A dementia diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with, especially when you or a Live-in support for people living with dementia, with familiar surroundings, personal routines and companionship at the centre.
A dementia diagnosis brings questions about everyday life, support and the future. For some people, a live-in carer offers practical help and companionship while supporting their choice to stay at home.
Country Cousins is an introductory live-in care agency. We introduce you to self-employed carers, taking account of the support you need, your routines and your preferences. You or your representative agree the arrangements directly with your chosen carer and oversee day-to-day support. Country Cousins does not manage or supervise the care delivered.
Our team will discuss whether an introductory arrangement suits your circumstances. If you need a fully managed service, we will explain the option available through our sister company, Trinity Homecare.
Familiar routines and continuity
Dementia affects each person differently. Familiar surroundings, clear communication and regular routines help make daily life more manageable for some people. Support should reflect the person’s choices, abilities and changing needs.
We take your preference for continuity into account when matching carers. Longer assignments or returning carers depend on availability and the arrangements agreed. Changes of carer still happen, so sharing routines, preferences and support information helps the next carer understand what matters to you.
Depending on your needs and the agreed arrangement, a live-in carer offers support with:
- Everyday independence: encouragement and practical help to continue activities you enjoy and do tasks within your abilities.
- Personal routines: support with washing, dressing, meals and other daily activities at times which suit you.
- Companionship: conversation, familiar interests and contact with family and friends.
- Mobility: agreed assistance within the carer’s skills, with suitable equipment and professional advice where needed.
- Reassurance: calm communication and attention to preferences, comfort and signs of distress.
Live-in care does not mean one carer works continuously for 24 hours. Working hours, breaks and any overnight support must be agreed in advance. Frequent night-time needs or continuous supervision require additional arrangements. Discuss these needs with our team before choosing a service.
What Does Country Cousins Dementia Care Involve?
Before making an introduction, we discuss the person’s daily life, what matters to them and the help they need. Dementia support should protect dignity, respect choices and encourage participation rather than take over tasks unnecessarily.
Depending on suitability and the arrangements agreed with your carer, support includes:
- Washing, dressing, bathing and continence care.
- Preparing meals and drinks, taking account of preferences and dietary requirements.
- Household tasks which help keep daily life organised.
- Accompaniment to appointments, outings and social activities.
- Medication reminders and encouragement, within the agreed role.
- Companionship and support with familiar interests.
Do not assume medication reminders include administering medication. Discuss the exact support needed before an introduction. Needs involving specialist equipment, complex moving and handling or clinical tasks also require a suitability discussion and appropriate skills.
As needs change, you or your representative should seek appropriate professional advice and review the arrangements with the carer. Contact Country Cousins to discuss whether a different match or a managed service would better meet your needs.
Matching you with a suitable carer
A suitable match starts with understanding the person beyond their diagnosis.
We consider:
- Support needs: daily activities, communication, mobility, medication reminders and any overnight needs.
- Relevant skills and experience: the carer’s background in supporting people with similar needs.
- Routines and preferences: familiar activities, food, personal care and approaches which help the person feel comfortable.
- Interests and companionship: hobbies, pets and other interests which help build a relationship.
- Availability and location: suitable start dates, assignment length and location preferences.
We discuss the proposed match with you or your representative. No match guarantees every preference will be met, so agree expectations and responsibilities before support begins.
Albert & Ethel’s story: dementia care that keeps a couple together
When Albert began showing signs of mild dementia, he and Ethel wanted to continue living together at home. Their live-in carer, Cece, learned Albert’s routines and offered gentle reminders while also supporting Ethel during her recovery.
Their story shows how support tailored to daily life helped this couple stay together with their dog, Rolf, in familiar surroundings.
Three simple steps to receiving live-in care
1. Talk to us
Call for a confidential conversation about your needs, preferences and circumstances. We will explain the introductory service and discuss whether this arrangement suits you.
2. Share your requirements
Tell us about daily routines, support needs, interests and any concerns. We will discuss carer availability and the responsibilities you or your representative would take on.
3. Agree your arrangements
We identify a suitable carer for you to consider. Once you choose a carer, agree the terms directly, including tasks, working hours, breaks, payment and overnight requirements. Confirm the start date and arrangements for changes or absences.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically make home care free. Funding depends on individual circumstances and the relevant eligibility rules. Contact your local authority and NHS services for advice about assessments, available funding and your options. Our live-in care cost guide explains private care costs.
Start with the person’s preferences, routines and abilities. Communicate clearly, allow time for responses and offer choices without overwhelming them. Support familiar activities, meals, drinks and social contact. Agree an approach with the person and those involved in their support, and seek professional advice when needs change.
The right setting depends on the person’s wishes, support needs, home environment and available help. Live-in support suits some people. Others need the staffing, nursing input or oversight offered by a different service. Consider overnight needs, risks and who will manage the arrangements before deciding.
Look for changes in daily life, such as missed meals or medication, difficulty with personal care, getting lost, falls or increasing distress. The wellbeing of family carers also matters. These changes call for a review of support needs rather than an automatic decision about one type of care. Seek professional advice about sudden or marked changes.
A calm, respectful response starts with understanding what the person is experiencing. Discomfort, unmet needs, noise or unfamiliar situations are possible contributors. Familiar routines, reassurance and clear communication help guide support. Walking about should be understood in the context of the person’s needs and safety. Persistent, new or worsening distress needs professional advice and a review of the support arrangements.
Tell our team about known triggers, helpful approaches and any need for supervision before a match is made. We will discuss the relevant experience needed and whether the introductory service is suitable.
Dementia describes a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and everyday functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Support should reflect the individual’s symptoms, abilities and preferences, as well as their diagnosis. Share these details so we understand the experience and skills needed for a suitable match.
Country Cousins introduces and matches self-employed carers. You or your representative agree terms with the carer and oversee day-to-day support. For a service with provider-led care management and supervision, ask about fully managed care through Trinity Homecare.
A live-in carer needs agreed breaks and rest. Overnight support depends on the arrangement and the level of need. Frequent waking, continuous supervision or regular night-time assistance require additional planning and potentially additional carers or a different service.
Talk to our team
Speak to Country Cousins about live-in support, carer matching and whether an introductory arrangement suits your needs.
Call 01293 224 706. Lines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm & Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form.
Reviewed by Barbara Baig, Head of Quality and Continuous Improvement. Wednesday 14th October 2026.
