The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published updated dementia care guidelines in 2024, representing the most significant revision to best practice standards in over a decade. For families supporting a loved one with dementia, and for care providers like us, these changes are transforming the way care is planned and delivered.
Person-Centred Care at the Core
The updated guidelines place even greater emphasis on person-centred care – the principle that every individual with dementia should have their care tailored to their personal history, preferences, relationships, and values. For home care providers, this translates into more detailed care planning, greater involvement of family members in review processes, and training care workers to understand the life histories of the people they support. Our care workers complete dementia awareness training and are encouraged to learn what matters most to each client.
The Role of Home Care in Dementia Support
One of the most important findings reinforced by the new guidelines is that living at home for as long as possible is generally associated with better outcomes for people with dementia. Familiar surroundings, established routines, and connections to community all contribute to wellbeing in ways that institutional settings often cannot replicate.
Supporting Family Carers
The NICE guidelines also strengthen recommendations around carer support, recognising that family members who provide unpaid care are at significant risk of burnout. Respite care – whether through regular professional visits or short breaks at a day centre – plays a vital role in sustaining these caring relationships over the long term. If you are considering care options for a family member with dementia, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.
