If the person with dementia is in a care home, hospital or hospice, you can still support them even if you cannot often visit in person.
Find out about the care setting’s routine, such as mealtimes, bedtime, medication rounds and activities, so that you can contact the person at the most suitable time. Ask about the best way to do this – do they have their own phone, or should you phone a member of staff?
Ask to be kept informed about activities the person has taken part in (eg an outing, music activity or gardening) so that you can talk to them about it. You could also tell the care home about activities that the person might enjoy, such as pet therapy or visits from local school choirs, and help to arrange these.
Talk to staff about how you can be kept informed about the person’s health and wellbeing, and how you can provide information or feedback. Is there a particular time when the health and social care team visits to review the person’s care? Make sure they know if you have LPA and ask if they will let you know if there is an incident like a fall.
If other family members or friends live nearby, ask them to contact you after visiting to give you an update.