Living with Dementia at Home

About 1.6 million people in Germany live with dementia—and that number is on the rise. For those affected and their families, the diagnosis often represents a major disruption to their daily lives, as the sense of security and order they have known up to that point is thrown into question. As a result, many people are wondering whether and how those affected can continue to live at home. We have compiled some basic information about dementia and offer some suggestions on what you, as a family member of someone with dementia who lives alone, can keep in mind.

Recognizing Warning Signs

We’ve all experienced those everyday moments of forgetfulness: the keys aren’t where we usually leave them, we’ve forgotten about a doctor’s appointment, or a new coworker’s name is on the tip of our tongue but just won’t come to mind. If forgetfulness becomes more frequent and persists over a longer period of time—and if this is accompanied by disorientation, persistent mood and behavioral fluctuations, or difficulty with everyday tasks—these may be warning signs of early-stage dementia.
Dementia It usually occurs in connection with a brain disorder: Among other things, this involves damage to parts of the cerebral cortex, impaired blood flow, or the degeneration of nerve cells. In addition to memory impairment, those affected suffer from difficulties with language, comprehension, and orientation.

After receiving a diagnosis of dementia, many people with the condition hope to continue living independently for as long as possible, ideally in their own homes. Having a home of one’s own not only provides security and a sense of belonging, but also has a significant impact on life satisfaction. Studies show that people with depression who live in private households are less likely to develop the condition than those who live in residential facilities (BMFSFJ 2022).

The Right Precautions

To ensure that people with dementia can continue to live safely and be well cared for on their own, both those affected and their loved ones can keep the following in mind:

Take precautions. Above all, it is important for family members and those affected to make sure they have adequate financial planning in place. As the disease progresses, those affected become increasingly dependent on support—especially when it comes to financial or legal matters. Under a power of attorney for health care or a guardianship directive, individuals can decide who will be authorized to manage their affairs in accordance with their wishes should they no longer be able to do so themselves.

Be aware of potential hazards. To ensure that those affected remain safe in their own homes, it is advisable for family members to be aware of potential hazards and to check for them regularly. Safety measures, such as stove shut-off devices, handrails, and keeping cleaning supplies, medications, and hazardous electrical appliances locked away, can help prevent accidents. While it is natural for family members to be concerned about those affected, they should always keep in mind that absolute safety is not possible.

Maintain independence. Out of concern, family members often tend to exercise strict control over or overprotect those affected. It is important to take over only those tasks that the person affected can no longer handle on their own. Rather, supplementary assistance—such as providing guidance during the task, removing tripping hazards, or labeling cabinet doors—can help maintain autonomy and minimize potential hazards.

Connect to the network. To be able to live independently for as long as possible, those affected need a familiar and stable support network. Family members and close friends can provide reliable and regular support. In addition, it is important for those affected to continue nurturing relationships and sharing experiences.

Know your limits. As the disease progresses, those affected become increasingly dependent on assistance in more and more areas, and the risk of harm to themselves and others increases. In that case, it may be necessary to move to an inpatient facility, a supervised living arrangement, or to move in with relatives. Ideally, this step should be planned carefully and well in advance, and those affected should always be involved in the process.

Learning to Better Understand Dementia

In the“Hands-on Dementia”experience, you can experience firsthand, through simulated everyday situations, what it’s like for people living with dementia.

The “Dementia Podcast”offers tips to family members and those living with dementia on communication, managing daily life and leisure activities, and staying engaged. The program covers topics such as self-care and sports, as well as technology and digital issues.

Many organizations offer courses—including online ones—for family members of people with illnesses. You can find an overview at“Demenz Partner.”

In Desideria Care e.V.’s“Online Dementia Consultation,”Dr. Sarah Straub and others answer questions about dementia.

It can be especially difficult for children to understand why their family members are suddenly acting differently. The BFSFJ has compiled tips on the ” Wegweiser Demenz ” website on how to explain dementia in a child-friendly way. The Alzheimer’s Association of Baden-Württemberg has put together a list of children’s books on this topic.

Sources and additional information can be found on the next page, at the German Alzheimer’s Association (Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft e.V.), on the Dementia Guide website, and at the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).