Essential Tips from Our Kingsway Care Team
Recently, our dementia expert, Jonathan, hosted a valuable Q&A session during the Kingsway Care team meeting, giving CareGivers the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another.
Supporting someone living with dementia is never a “one size fits all” approach. Every client is different, which is why teamwork, communication and creativity are so important in delivering outstanding care.
Here are some of the key discussion points and advice shared during the session.
“What should I do if I feel stuck or overwhelmed?”
Jonathan reminded the team that lone working can be challenging and that no CareGiver should ever feel afraid to ask for help.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back, pause and reassess the situation calmly. At Kingsway Care, there is always support available from colleagues and management.
There is a wealth of experience and expertise within the team, and sharing ideas often helps uncover new approaches.
“Why does one approach work for one client but not another?”
Because no two people experience dementia in the same way.
A person’s life history, personality, health, anxiety levels, environment and daily routine can all affect how they respond. Something in the environment may also be triggering distress or confusion.
Jonathan encouraged CareGivers to become “great detectives”, taking everything into consideration and looking for clues behind a person’s behaviour.
“How important is communication in dementia care?”
Communication is incredibly important.
People living with dementia may not process information in the usual way, so simplifying language can make a huge difference.
The team discussed:
- Speaking slowly and clearly
- Giving one piece of information at a time
- Breaking down requests into smaller steps
- Avoiding information overload
- Using reassurance and positive praise
CareGivers were reminded that their own emotions matter too. Anxiety or frustration can often be picked up by the client, so staying calm and reassuring is essential.
“What if something isn’t working?”
Think outside the box and try something new.
Jonathan encouraged the team to make a plan, stay flexible and never assume there is only one solution. Reading client notes carefully and speaking to team members who have had success with a client can also provide valuable insight.
Sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference.
“What’s the most important thing to remember?”
One of the most important reminders from the session was this:
The person living with dementia is doing the best they can.
Dementia is a complex brain disorder, and behaviours are often a response to confusion, fear or unmet needs rather than deliberate actions.
By putting ourselves in the client’s shoes, remaining patient and working together as a team, we can continue providing compassionate, person-centred support that helps people live well at home.
Dementia Resources
Jonathan ended the session, which he said "could easily have gone on all night," by advising there are many resources available to help with continuous learning such as:
- Dementia UK
- Alzheimer's Society
- Teepa Snow - a world-renowned dementia dare specialist
- Local Brighton & Hove Libraries
Hove Library currently has a 'Reading Well for Dementia' shelf.
Reading Well for dementia recommends helpful reading and digital resources for people living with dementia. There are also books for family, friends and carers. The booklist provides reliable information, advice and support as well as personal stories and age-appropriate books for children.
The booklist is targeted at people living with dementia, carers and family members including younger children to help them understand more about dementia.
Look for the Reading Well for dementia books in your local library – they’re free to borrow.
Dementia Action Week: 18 - 24 May 2026
This Dementia Action Week, 18 - 24 May 2026, the Alzheimer's Society will continue to raise awareness of dementia, the UK's biggest killer, by sharing the stories behind the Forget Me Not.
Want To Learn More About Dementia?
Kingsway Care is here to help our local community every day. The team offer guidance, reassurance and compassionate support to people living with dementia and the families around them.
If you would like advice about dementia care or support to continue living well at home, please contact our friendly team.
Sussex Dementia Voices
