Activities of daily living

People with dementia can experience problems with using the toilet. Some people may find it difficult to get to the toilet in time because of problems with coordination and movement. Some people may forget where the bathroom is. In later stages of dementia, incontinence is common, and people will need lots of practical support to manage this.

As a person’s dementia progresses, they will need increasing support with washing and bathing. To begin with, someone may need reminding to bathe or wash their hair. Over time people living with dementia will need full support with washing and personal care routines. 

A person with dementia can find getting dressed on their own difficult and they may need help with things like buttons and shoelaces. As dementia progresses it can be helpful to have support choosing what to wear and getting dressed, to make sure clothes are comfortable and are put on correctly.

Over time, people living with dementia can find it difficult to chew and swallow, use cutlery, and their food preferences may change. In later stages of dementia people may need support from loved ones or carers to help them eat.

Following a process like making a hot drink or making a meal are complex tasks that become more challenging for someone with dementia. Providing support at mealtimes can help people remember to have all their meals and ensure they are getting enough nutrients from  their food. In later stages of dementia people often need to have drinks and meals prepared for them to make sure they are eating as well as possible.

Lots of people struggle to remember to take their medication, but people with dementia often find it harder to do this. Some find it useful to have their medication organised in a box with the time and day on it to help them keep track. As dementia progresses, people may need someone there to support them with taking their medication.