You might have started to notice small changes that are beginning to pile up. Perhaps your parent seems a little less sure of themselves. Maybe you’ve stepped in more often than you used to without really thinking about it.
You might be wondering whether these moments are simply part of getting older or something that deserves a bit more attention.
This guide is here to help you recognise patterns, make sense of what you’re seeing, and reassure you that support is available whenever the time feels right.
If you’re looking for trusted dementia care at home, our team at Forest Homecare is here to listen, answer questions, and offer guidance. We’re always happy to support you and your loved one in whatever way you need.
Understanding when extra support may be needed
Noticing changes in a parent’s memory or behaviour can be unsettling, especially when they occur gradually. Many families find themselves unsure whether what they’re seeing is part of normal ageing or something that may need a little more support.
Early signs of dementia are often subtle and can come and go, which means it’s common to adapt quietly. Families may offer more reminders or help, without realising how much has changed over time.
In the UK, around one in three people born today is expected to develop dementia in their lifetime. While this may feel daunting, it’s important to know that you and your loved one are not alone.
Recognising when extra support may be helpful is rarely about a single moment, but about patterns that begin to emerge. Understanding these signs can help families feel more confident about next steps.
10 common signs of dementia
Dementia affects everyone differently, and no two experiences are the same. Some people may show only a few changes at first, while others may experience several signs at once.
What’s important is not looking for perfection or certainty, but noticing patterns that seem new, persistent, or increasingly difficult for your parent to manage alone.
1. Increasing memory loss
Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing, but you may start to notice memory changes that happen more often or begin to interfere with everyday routines.
This might include forgetting recent conversations, missing appointments, or needing frequent reminders about meals, medication, or plans for the day.
2. Confusion around time, dates, or routines
It’s common for people with dementia to become unsure about the day of the week, the time of day, or the routines they have followed for years. This might look like:
- Getting ready for an appointment hours too early
- Feeling unsettled in the evening
- Repeatedly asking what time something is happening
- Confusing morning and evening, such as getting dressed for the day late at night
3. Difficulty managing everyday tasks
Tasks that once felt simple may start to become more challenging for your parent. You might start to see that they’re taking longer to complete everyday activities, skipping steps, or avoiding certain tasks altogether.
When these challenges begin to affect confidence or safety, extra support may be helpful. Dementia care can offer gentle guidance while helping your parent remain as independent as possible.
4. Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour
You may notice your parent responding differently to situations that never used to trouble them. This could include:
- Becoming more easily frustrated or upset over small issues
- Appearing anxious, restless, or unusually worried
- Showing signs of low mood or loss of interest in what they once enjoyed
- Reacting strongly to changes in routine or environment
- Becoming more withdrawn or quieter in social situations
- Seeming confused or distressed without being able to explain why
For families, these changes can feel particularly difficult, as they may seem out of character or appear without a clear reason.
5. Withdrawal from social activities
Your parent may begin to take a step back from social activities. This might include avoiding family gatherings, losing interest in hobbies, or becoming quieter during conversations.
For some people, this withdrawal happens because social situations start to feel overwhelming or tiring. This may contribute to a sense of loneliness and disconnection.
In the UK, around 1.4 million older people often feel lonely, and these feelings may be heightened for those living with dementia.
6. Struggling with personal care or hygiene
There may be changes in how your parent manages their personal care. This could include:
- Wear the same clothes repeatedly
- Forget to bathe
- Find tasks like shaving, brushing teeth, or getting dressed difficult
Often, these changes are not about unwillingness, but about feeling confused or unsure of the next step.
7. Problems with communication or finding words
Some people find it harder to express themselves clearly. This can include struggling to find the right word, losing their train of thought mid-sentence, or using the wrong words without realising. Conversations that once flowed easily may start to feel more frustrating for them.
8. Poor judgment or unusual decision-making
It’s also common to see parents start to make decisions that feel out of character. These changes can be concerning for families, particularly when they involve safety, finances, or vulnerability, and they often happen gradually rather than all at once.
Examples may include:
- Struggling to manage money, bills, or online banking
- Giving away money or responding to scams or unsolicited calls
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or situation
- Acting differently in social settings, such as speaking without usual filters
- Making unsafe choices, such as leaving doors unlocked or appliances on
9. Becoming lost in familiar places
Becoming disoriented can be upsetting, particularly when it happens in places that once felt familiar. Your parent may become lost on a walk, take the wrong route home, or feel unsure in local shops or streets. For many families, this can be concerning, particularly when it affects safety outside the home.
10. Struggling to manage health
It may become harder for your parent to manage aspects of their health that were once part of their daily routine. This can include changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, or how medication is taken. Often, these shifts are subtle and may be linked to confusion, low energy, or difficulty staying on task.
What to do if you’re noticing these signs
If you’ve noticed some of these signs, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. Trusting your instincts and paying attention to patterns can be an important first step.
A calm, open conversation with your parent, focused on how they’re feeling, may help. You could also speak with a GP or care professional for guidance. At Forest Homecare, our team is here to answer questions and help families understand what support might look like.
Reaching out for support doesn’t mean you have to make immediate decisions; it simply gives you the knowledge that help is there when you need it.
How dementia care may help support your parent
Dementia care is about more than practical support. It focuses on helping your parent feel safe, understood, and comfortable in their own home. It also helps to ease some of the day-to-day pressure on family members.
Care with Forest Homecare is shaped around routines, personal preferences, and what matters most to your parent. With the right level of support, dementia care may help maintain independence, provide comfort, and offer gentle assistance with daily tasks.
Find compassionate care when it matters most with Forest Homecare
Caring for a parent with dementia can feel overwhelming at times. Many families carry a great deal quietly, unsure where to turn or whether they’re making the right choices.
Support can take many forms, from trusted advice and information to practical, day-to-day care. At Forest Homecare, we work alongside families to provide guidance and personalised support that fits around your parent’s life.
Whether you’re simply looking for answers or beginning to explore care options, having someone to talk to can make the journey feel less daunting.