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Caring for someone with dementia can be really tough. As the condition progresses, individuals often experience increased agitation, discomfort, and a decline in overall quality of life—leaving loved ones unsure of how best to support them.
While regular medical care is important, there’s another type of support that many people don’t know much about – palliative care.
Palliative care for dementia is designed to support not only the person living with dementia but also their family, offering a more holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and practical needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore what palliative care for dementia involves, the key benefits it offers, and how it can be introduced at home or in a care facility to ensure compassionate and personalised support throughout the journey.
Palliative care for dementia isn’t about giving up hope or waiting for the end. It’s quite the opposite.
Palliative care is a specialised approach focused on improving quality of life for people facing serious illness like dementia. It addresses the whole person like managing physical symptoms while also supporting emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
The key difference between palliative care and hospice care (which many people confuse) is timing and scope:
Many families mistakenly believe they have to choose between active treatment and comfort care. That’s simply not true with palliative care at home or in other settings.
People with dementia often can’t express discomfort in typical ways, which means pain and other symptoms may go untreated. Palliative care specialists are trained to:
Beyond physical comfort, palliative care for dementia helps maintain dignity and quality of life. This might include continuing meaningful activities adapted to current abilities. It helps create environments that reduce confusion and stress. Palliative care at home limits unnecessary medical interventions that cause distress and preserve rituals and routines that bring comfort.
Caring for someone with dementia takes a tremendous toll. Home care palliative care offers support not just for the person with dementia but for you as well.
Family caregiver benefits include:
Research shows that family caregivers who receive support from palliative care teams report less depression, anxiety, and burnout. They also feel more confident in their caregiving abilities.
One of the most common questions families ask is: “When should we start palliative care?” The simple answer might surprise you – there’s no need to wait for a crisis.
Signs that it might be time to explore palliative care for dementia include:
Some doctors might not be familiar with palliative care for dementia specifically, as it’s sometimes associated more with cancer care. Don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a palliative specialist if your regular provider seems uncertain.
Many families prefer to keep their loved ones at home as long as possible. Palliative care at home makes this option more manageable.
The first step is typically an assessment of both the home environment and your loved one’s needs. This might include:
Finding the right home care provider with palliative expertise takes research. Questions to ask potential home care providers include:
The daily rhythm of home care palliative care typically revolves around comfort, familiarity, and meaningful engagement rather than rigid medical schedules.
A day might include:
Technology increasingly supports palliative care at home. Options include medication reminder systems, motion sensors that alert caregivers to potential falls, telehealth consultations with specialists, and apps that help coordinate care among family members.
For many families, combining private palliative care at home with NHS services provides the most comprehensive support.
Private care options might include skilled nurses who can manage complex symptoms, care assistants trained in dementia support, specialised companions who engage in meaningful activities, and night carers who allow family caregivers to sleep
Costs vary widely based on level of care needed, hours per week, geographic location, and specific services required.
While private care represents an investment, many families find creative ways to manage costs:
Choice Care 4U can guide you through funding options and help develop a home care plan that works within your budget. Our flexible packages allow for a combination of regular visits, overnight stays, or full-time care, depending on your needs.
Navigating the financial aspects of palliative care in West Sussex including areas like Chichester, Selsey, and Bognor Regis can indeed be complex. Here’s a localised breakdown of NHS and social care coverage, along with guidance on accessing support:
Understanding what care is covered through public funding can be confusing. In West Sussex, the NHS provides several palliative care services:
Social care services, managed by the local council, are typically means-tested and may include:
To initiate support:
For assistance, visit West Sussex Connect to Support or call 01243 642121.
In Chichester and Selsey, hourly care rates typically range between £31 and £40, depending on the level of support required. In Bognor Regis, the average hourly rate is around £30, with costs varying based on individual care needs.
For live-in care, weekly rates generally start from £1,200, with the final cost depending on the complexity and frequency of care required.
Choice Care 4U is a reputable home care provider offering comprehensive palliative care services in Chichester, Selsey, Bognor Regis, and surrounding areas. We are known for:
For more information or to arrange a consultation, you can contact us directly.
When a loved one requires palliative care, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a practical, step-by-step palliative care plan guide designed to help families in Chichester, Selsey, and Bognor Regis organise care with confidence and compassion.
Whether you’re arranging daily support at home or planning ahead for future needs, this downloadable guide will help you:
This resource is provided by Choice Care 4U, your local provider of compassionate home and palliative care services across West Sussex.
The journey through dementia with a loved one challenges us in ways we never imagined. Palliative care for dementia offers a path focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for both the person with dementia and those who love them.
Remember, good palliative care:
Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or looking to enhance current care arrangements, reaching out to palliative specialists with dementia expertise is a positive step forward.
Respite care offers UK parents of children with autism a much-needed break and peace of mind. Learn what it is, how it helps, and how to access support today.
We provide compassionate, tailored dementia palliative care at home in West Sussex, supporting both individuals and their families. Contact us today to learn how we can help your loved one live with dignity and comfort at home.
Choosing the right home care provider in Chichester starts with asking the right questions—our Home Care Checklist helps you cover everything from qualifications to personalised care plans. Download the free checklist today and make confident decisions for your loved one’s wellbeing.
Noticing subtle changes in your elderly parent’s daily routine, like missed meals or forgotten medications, could be early signs they need extra support at home. If you’re concerned about their safety or wellbeing, contact our compassionate home care team in Bognor Regis today for a free assessment.