Written by: Multidisciplinary team
Date: December 1, 2025
Caring for someone with dementia at home can feel like a mix of love, patience, and daily problem-solving. Some days go smoothly, others don’t — and that’s normal. Behaviours like wandering, agitation, restlessness, or repeating the same question again and again are not “bad behaviour”. They are often the person’s way of saying something feels wrong.
The good news? Small changes can make a big difference.
Wandering often happens because someone feels bored, anxious, or is looking for something familiar. Instead of trying to stop it completely, make moving around safer. Keep a regular daily routine, offer a short walk or gentle movement during the day, and make sure doors are clearly marked. A sign with a picture saying “Toilet” or “Bedroom” can be surprisingly helpful. If the person goes outside, make sure they carry identification and wear comfortable shoes.
Agitation and irritability can appear suddenly. Try to pause before reacting. Speak slowly, use simple words, and get down to eye level. A calm voice can calm a tense moment. Too much noise, too many people, or bright lights can make things worse, so reducing stimulation often helps. If someone seems unusually upset, check the basics first: Are they hungry? In pain? Tired? Too hot or too cold? These small things matter more than we realise.
Restlessness and repetitive actions can actually be soothing for a person with dementia. Pacing, folding clothes, or asking the same question may help them feel safe. Instead of correcting them, gently redirect their energy. Put on familiar music, offer something to hold, or suggest a simple task like sorting objects or wiping the table. It doesn’t need to make sense — it just needs to feel comforting.
Above all, be kind to yourself. You won’t get it right every time. Dementia changes day by day, and what works today might not work tomorrow. That’s okay.
If behaviours change suddenly or feel overwhelming, reach out to a healthcare professional. Support is not a failure — it’s part of good care.