Category: Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can change many things — but it should never erase a person’s identity, dignity, or value.

At Moonrise, we believe that high-quality dementia care starts with a simple but powerful commitment: seeing the person behind the condition. Every individual living with dementia has a life story, a personality, memories, preferences, and feelings that matter just as much today as they did before their diagnosis. Our role is to protect and honour that — not just clinically, but compassionately.

Dementia affects memory, communication, and behaviour, but it doesn’t take away the essence of who someone is. Too often, people with dementia are treated only in terms of their symptoms — as if they are a diagnosis, not a whole human being.

Using this approach can lead to frustration and distress for the individual, a loss of independence and confidence, and missed opportunities to connect in meaningful ways.

Person-centred care challenges this. It’s about supporting the individual, not just managing a condition. And when done right, it transforms lives — not only for those living with dementia, but for their families, carers, and communities too.

At Moonrise, our approach to dementia care is deeply rooted in respect, empathy, and individuality. Here’s how we make that a reality in our day-to-day work:

We take the time to understand the whole person. Before providing care we learn about an individuals life history, cultural background, family and relationships, hobbies, habits and routines and important memories and life events. This helps us tailor support in a way that feels familiar and comforting — not clinical or impersonal.

Dementia can affect how people speak, understand, or express their needs. That’s why our staff are trained to communicate using simple, clear language, calm, reassuring tone, positive body language, attentive listening and allowing time and space for an individual to respond. We never talk over someone or make assumptions. We support individuals to express themselves however they can — through words, gestures, or simply by being present.

A dementia-friendly space is a powerful tool. In both domiciliary and supported living settings, we ensure environments are easy to navigate, low in sensory overload (such as harsh lighting or loud noise), familiar with personal belongings and photographs, and structured with consistent routines. These small details make a big difference. They help reduce confusion and build a sense of stability — which is essential for emotional wellbeing.

Consistency is crucial in dementia care. We aim to ensure familiar faces, routines, and approaches are maintained so that individuals feel safe and secure. This continuity helps build trust — a key factor in reducing anxiety and improving communication.

We invest in continuous training beyond the mandatory basics. Our staff receive specialist education in Dementia Awareness and Best Practice, person-centred care planning, behavioural support techniques, Mental Health First Aid. This ensures that our teams stay informed, skilled, and confident in delivering care that respects both the clinical and emotional needs of every person.

When we prioritise dignity, we see powerful results including reduced episodes of distress or confusion, improved engagement and mood, a greater sense of independence, and stronger relationships between carers and individuals. But most importantly, we see people reclaim parts of themselves — their identity, joy, and confidence. And that is what truly meaningful care is all about.

At Moonrise, we envision a future where every person living with dementia is seen, heard, and supported — not just medically, but humanely.

We will continue to lead with empathy, train with purpose, and care with dignity — because every individual deserves to feel valued, understood, and safe, no matter where they are in their journey.