This handbook is for anyone who is caring for a person with dementia. It will help you suggest enjoyable and engaging activities for the person you’re caring for.

Friends or family members, including those who are caring for the person, can also be in denial and find a dementia diagnosis difficult to accept.

Trying to get help and support can be difficult when someone doesn’t understand or acknowledge that they have dementia. But support and care at home can help a person to stay independent for longer and to live well with dementia. 

Coping with lack of insight or denial can be very difficult. Here are practical tips for supporting a person with denial or lack of insight, including support for friends and family.

Respite care can be a big support for you and the person you care for.  However, it can be difficult to adjust to. 

It can feel daunting to find the right care option for the person with dementia and you. It’s a good idea to meet with care providers to find out more about how they work and how you feel about them.

You can arrange respite care through your Health and Social Care (HSC) trust or you can contact a personal assistant, homecare agency or care home directly. 

There are different types of respite care available in and out of the home in Northern Ireland. Options range from care agencies, support workers and friends, to day centres, holidays and care homes.