Five Effective At-Home Strategies for Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia

As dementia rates rise across Canada projected to affect over 1.7 million Canadians by 2050 (Alzheimer Society of Canada) families are increasingly becoming the front line of care. Supporting loved ones with dementia at home can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent strategies can create stability, comfort, and meaningful engagement.

At Good Comfort, we believe compassionate care begins in the home. Below are five evidence-informed approaches that can help bridge the care gap and offer peace of mind to families navigating dementia.

1. Establish a Consistent Daily Routine

A predictable schedule reduces confusion and fosters a sense of security for loved ones with dementia. Regular times for meals, medication, rest, and daily activities help anchor their day.

Tip: Use visual calendars, labeled clocks, or whiteboards to reinforce the routine visually.

According to the Verywell Health Guide on Dementia, routines reduce anxiety and disorientation, particularly during times of transition or evening hours (often associated with “sundowning”).

2. Engage in Reminiscence Activities

Reminiscence therapy encouraging discussions of the past can improve mood and support long-term memory. Looking through photo albums, listening to culturally familiar music, or watching classic films can trigger positive emotional responses.

Fact: Studies show that reminiscence therapy improves quality of life and cognitive performance in dementia patients – Alzheimer’s Association

At Good Comfort, we often integrate storytelling and memory journals into our personalized care plans to spark meaningful connection.

3. Incorporate Music Therapy

Music has a profound effect on brain activity. Familiar songs can evoke powerful emotional reactions and reduce agitation or restlessness in loved ones with dementia.

A 2020 review in Healthline found that music therapy was associated with a reduction in behavioural symptoms and even the need for antipsychotic medication.

Tip: Build a playlist of meaningful songs or engage in singalongs with your loved one.

Our Care Partners are trained to use music purposefully, whether during morning routines or calming evening sessions.

4. Promote Physical Activity

Light exercise, such as daily walks, tai chi, or chair yoga, can help maintain motor skills and enhance mood. Physical movement also helps with digestion, sleep regulation, and overall well-being.

According to the NHS and Verywell Health, even modest physical activity can delay cognitive decline and prevent depression.

Tip: Choose consistent times of day for exercise to reinforce structure, and adapt activities to ability levels.

We tailor movement routines around each client’s mobility level, ensuring both safety and engagement.

5. Ensure a Safe and Navigable Home Environment

Creating a dementia-friendly space is crucial. Reduce tripping hazards, improve lighting, label doors and drawers, and use contrasting colours to define boundaries.

Tip: Alzheimer’s Society recommends simple home modifications to improve safety and confidence.

At Good Comfort, we conduct in-home safety assessments and guide families on how to make their space more intuitive and supportive.

Bridging the Gap: Where Good Comfort Comes In

These strategies form the foundation of dementia support, but families shouldn’t have to manage them alone. At Good Comfort, we partner with clients and their families to:

• Create structured, personalized care plans
• Provide consistent, relationship-driven support
• Offer respite and emotional guidance for family members
• Help loved ones remain safe, engaged, and dignified at home

Looking for care that puts people first? At Good Comfort, we provide personalized support that brings dignity, respect, and peace of mind to every family.

Connect with us today to see how we can be your Care Partner.

Sources:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada – Dementia Statistics
• Verywell Health – Dementia Care Tips
• Healthline – Music Therapy and Dementia
• NHS – Exercise and Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society UK – Home Modifications