Supporting & Safeguarding Those Living with Dementia

Safeguarding individuals living with dementia is essential for protecting their health, well-being and human rights. They are often among the most vulnerable individuals in the care system, so the correct protections are vital. 

In the UK, safeguarding is a vital practice to make sure that everyone, particularly vulnerable adults and children, is protected from harm, neglect and abuse. Today, we’ll explore how we can support and safeguard those living with dementia. 

What Is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is a term that refers to measures taken to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals. These measures are put in place to ensure people can live safely, away from dangers or threats of abuse. 

The Care Act 2014 states that safeguarding is:

‘Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action.’

In short, safeguarding works with both the individual with dementia and those supporting them to protect them. 

What Are the Six Principles of Safeguarding?

According to the Care Act 2014, six principles should be considered when safeguarding measures are put in place.

These are: 

• Empowerment: People with dementia should be supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent.
  
• Prevention: Measures put in place to act before harm has a chance to occur.
  
• Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented should be delivered.
  
• Protection: Individuals with the most significant needs should be given ample support and representation.
  
• Partnership: Communities can play a part in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
  
• Accountability: Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice. 

How Can You Safeguard People with Dementia?

People with dementia often experience cognitive symptoms that may make them more vulnerable and at risk of abuse or neglect. They may experience memory loss, problems with concentrating and planning, communication issues, and confusion. All of these symptoms can make it more difficult for the person to protect themselves.

Carers may also be at risk of neglect and abuse, especially if they’re feeling lonely, isolated, severely stressed or overburdened. For example, a carer may find themselves putting their loved one’s needs above their own, leading to self-neglect. 

Safeguarding practices can help both the individual with dementia and their primary carer. It can have a positive impact on their well-being and ensure the correct type of support is in place moving forward. 

Practical Ways to Support and Safeguard People with Dementia

Supporting someone with dementia should aim to meet care needs, protect dignity, preserve independence, and create an environment where they feel safe and understood. Gentle, practical adjustments can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals as their dementia progresses. 

Here are supportive ways to safeguard and empower someone living with dementia: 

1. Create a Safe and Familiar Environment

A calm, well-organised home reduces confusion and risk for individuals living with dementia. Familiar surroundings provide reassurance, and consistency builds confidence.

Simple adaptations to make around the home include: 

• Removing trip hazards such as loose rugs or clutter
• Improving lighting, especially in hallways and bathrooms
• Using clear labels or pictures on cupboards and doors
• Keeping everyday items in consistent places
• Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Considering door sensors if wandering becomes a concern

To learn more, read our helpful guide on creating a dementia-friendly home environment.

2. Establish Clear, Supportive Communication

Communication can become more challenging as dementia affects an individual’s language and processing abilities. Your tone matters as much as words, so avoid correcting them unnecessarily. Reassurance is often more helpful than logic.

Helpful approaches include:

• Speaking slowly and clearly
• Using short, simple sentences
• Asking one question at a time
• Maintaining eye contact
• Using gentle gestures or visual prompts
• Allowing extra time for responses

3. Protect Against Financial and Social Vulnerability

People with dementia can become more susceptible to scams or financial exploitation.

There are several safeguarding strategies that can be implemented to avoid this becoming the case, such as: 

• Registering for telephone preference services
• Setting up trusted contact alerts with banks
• Limiting access to large sums of cash
• Supporting with bill management
• Arranging a lasting power of attorney early

It’s also important to protect against social isolation, which is a very common result of progressive symptoms. Regular contact with family, friends or carers can help maintain emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and help you notice changes in behaviour early.

4. Encourage Gentle Structure and Meaningful Activity

For individuals with dementia, routines provide stability and meaningful engagement can protect cognitive and emotional health. Activities should feel achievable and manageable to maximise the likelihood of success and build confidence.

You could encourage an individual with dementia to complete: 

• Simple household tasks
• Gardening or light crafts
• Listening to favourite music
• Looking through photo albums
• Short, supervised walks
• Reminiscence activities

A dementia memory box is an excellent resource for loved ones and carers to use with individuals experiencing symptoms. These can be used to jog memory and elicit feelings of joy from the past. They can be used repeatedly, with the contents of the box being swapped out to recall different happy memories and past events. 

5. Monitor Health and Well-Being Closely

People with dementia may struggle to communicate discomfort or illness. Regular GP reviews and medication checks are important for early intervention, as this often prevents more serious complications.

When caring for someone with dementia, be mindful of: 

• Changes in appetite
• Altered sleep patterns
• Increased confusion
• Sudden mood shifts
• Signs of pain or infection

Recognising the Signs of Abuse in People with Dementia

Abuse is when a person experiences harm or distress caused by another individual. It can be seen in many different ways, from disrespect to causing physical or mental pain. Abuse can occur in someone’s home, a care home, hospital or a public place. 

An individual with dementia can suffer abuse from a person they trust, like a family member or friend. Sometimes, abuse isn’t intentional. However, it’s important to put safeguarding practices in place to limit negative, long-lasting effects. 

Signs of abuse can often be difficult to detect, especially when an individual with dementia finds it difficult to communicate effectively.

However, indicators to look out for include: 

• Sudden changes in behaviour
  
• Changes in appearance
• Not eating enough
  
• Unexplained bruising or injuries
  
• Low self-esteem
  
• Missing personal items 

These indicators might look different depending on the form of abuse the person is experiencing. If you’re concerned about a loved one and how they’re being treated, it’s essential to tell someone. Safeguarding can help put essential support systems in place.

Who Should I Talk to About My Concerns?

If you’re concerned about a person with dementia being at risk, there are several points of contact you can talk to. The first is your Local Authority Safeguarding Team, who can assist you with discussing your concerns.

This is not the only option, and another agency may be more suitable for your specific situation.

You can also seek advice from: 

• The police
• Domestic abuse services
• The National Referral Mechanism for victims of domestic abuse
• Community and support groups
  
• Social services

Local authorities have a duty to promote an individual’s well-being, prevent or delay the development of care needs, and assess whether there are any safeguarding concerns. They’ll need to conduct an assessment even if the person doesn’t want one. This assures loved ones that the individual with dementia is being carefully supported. 

How Professional Care from Trinity Homecare Can Help

When someone you love is living with dementia, the right support makes all the difference. At Trinity Homecare, we build care around the person rather than the condition. By understanding each individual’s history, preferences and routines, we’re able to support them thoughtfully through every stage of progression.

Safeguarding is part of everyday care. From managing medication and reducing fall risks to protecting financial and personal well-being, our carers provide attentive oversight while always preserving dignity and independence.

Our fully trained, compassionate dementia carers have a clear duty of care. They stay alert to changes in health, behaviour or environment and act quickly if concerns arise. With specialist training in recognising vulnerability, abuse or neglect, they follow safeguarding procedures to ensure every client remains respected and protected.

Talk to Trinity Homecare Today

If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.

Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.