For some families, dementia support is needed from the start. For others, it happens later on during residential care and is introduced once day-to-day life begins to change. At The Anchorage, we plan for this early so transitioning to dementia care isn’t uncomfortable for your loved one.
When early signs of dementia begin to affect things like memory, orientation or confidence, our experienced carers start adjusting care in small ways that are customised to your loved one.
As an Alzheimer’s care home in West Sussex, The Anchorage supports our residents through this transition with consistency and care.
Early planning allows us to establish the right dementia support without disrupting our residents’ surroundings, relationships or day.
Early Stage Dementia Support in West Sussex
Early dementia support usually starts while your loved one is already living comfortably in our home or shortly after a diagnosis has been confirmed.
This stage of care focuses on keeping everyday life familiar while adding support where it’s needed. As a boutique Alzheimer’s care home in West Sussex, we offer early stage dementia support that families can rely on, giving residents time to adjust as their needs change gradually.
In the early stages, this often involves practical adjustments, including:
- Allowing more time for decision-making, particularly around getting dressed, choosing meals or moving between activities.
- Simplifying parts of the day to reduce transitions and rushing.
- Offering gentle prompts during conversations or tasks when memory lapses cause frustration.
- Adjusting the pace to match changes in concentration or confidence.
How We Support a Smooth Transition
When the time comes for more dementia support, we take care not to unsettle your loved one’s daily life. Our dementia care team carefully plan and introduces it in stages, so all routines remain recognisable and comfortable.
We talk through with family members about what’s being adjusted in care, when it will happen and how it affects your loved one’s day. This can include morning routines, meal times, adding more dementia activities and special care with sundowning.
This detailed approach allows early stage dementia care at The Anchorage to develop steadily, giving our residents time to settle into each change.
Emotional and Practical Support
Conversations about your loved one’s transition into dementia care won’t be too formal or rushed, ensuring you fully understand what is happening with their care plan. You can raise concerns whenever you have them, and we’ll take the time to talk them through with you properly.
Our dementia carers will share what they are seeing day to day and explain any changes to care in plain terms. And if something is adjusted, you’ll know why it’s happening and how it may affect your loved one’s routine.
You’re always welcome to spend time with us at the home, speak with the team or arrange a conversation when you need it.
Personalised Care at Anchorage
For many families, the biggest concern is whether dementia care will mean another move. You don’t need to worry because at The Anchorage, dementia support can be added here, at various stages, without disrupting familiar surroundings.
As dementia begins to affect everyday life, we will introduce extra support tailored to the resident in stages to avoid a startling change.
Dementia care plans at The Anchorage are always adjusted to the individual. As dementia affects everyday life, changes are made where they’re needed most and reviewed over time, while familiar routines are kept in place.
If you would like to explore the next stage of care, our team is ready to schedule a visit or discuss your options at a time that works best for you..
Talk to Us About Transitioning to Dementia Care
If your loved one is already living here at The Anchorage, we’ll sit down with you to discuss what changes may be helpful and when to introduce them.
But if you’re considering The Anchorage for the first time, visits are always welcome and encouraged.
We enjoy getting to know families and making them a part of our home too. Staying in touch with us keeps you informed and involved as your loved one’s care continues to develop. You’re very welcome to contact us any time to arrange a visit or speak with a member of the team about the next stage of care.
Families choose The Anchorage for the way dementia care is delivered day to day, including:
- A smaller, quieter home where routines are easier to follow and spaces don’t feel overwhelming
- Care staff trained in dementia care, with many having worked at the home for several years
- Secure indoor areas and enclosed outdoor spaces that our residents can use safely and confidently
- Bedrooms with ensuite facilities that residents can personalise with their own furniture, photos and familiar items
