When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, families often find themselves navigating a sea of information—some accurate, some not. These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary worry and may even impact the quality of care provided. Understanding the truth behind common dementia myths can help families make more informed decisions about their loved one’s care journey.
Myth: Dementia is just a normal part of aging
One of the most persistent misconceptions about dementia is that cognitive decline is simply an inevitable part of growing older. While occasional memory lapses—like forgetting where you placed your keys or the name of someone you’ve just met—are indeed normal age-related changes, dementia represents something fundamentally different.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging but rather a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. At Hovi Care, we understand that distinguishing between normal aging and dementia requires proper assessment and professional guidance. Our approach begins with recognizing that symptoms like consistently forgetting important dates, familiar routes, or having difficulty with everyday tasks may signal something beyond typical aging.
The family-oriented philosophy at Hovi Care emphasizes early intervention when signs of cognitive decline appear. Rather than dismissing changes as “just getting older,” we encourage families to seek proper evaluation, as some memory issues may be caused by treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.
Myth: People with dementia can’t enjoy new experiences
Another harmful myth is that once someone develops dementia, they can no longer enjoy or benefit from new experiences. This couldn’t be further from the truth. People living with dementia continue to have the capacity for joy, learning, and meaningful engagement—they simply may experience these things differently.
Hovi Care’s philosophy centers on providing tools for social, cognitive, and physical rehabilitation, helping seniors with dementia lead enjoyable lives filled with new and meaningful experiences. We understand that though dementia changes how a person may process information or interact with their environment, it doesn’t diminish their human need for stimulation, connection, and purpose.
Our personalized care approach means activities are thoughtfully adapted to match each individual’s abilities, preferences, and history. From creative arts to nature experiences, we find ways to engage people with dementia in activities that spark joy and promote wellbeing.
What does a family-oriented approach to dementia care look like?
At Hovi Care, our distinctive “from a family to a family” approach forms the cornerstone of our dementia care philosophy. This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a fundamental value that shapes how we deliver care every day.
A truly family-oriented approach means creating partnerships with families through transparent collaboration. We recognize that family members are experts on their loved one’s life history, preferences, and personality. This knowledge is invaluable in creating personalized care plans that honor the individual’s identity and promote their wellbeing.
Open communication forms the foundation of trust between our care team and families. We share observations, challenges, and successes, working together to adjust approaches as needed. This transparency helps families feel confident in the care their loved one receives, while also giving them meaningful ways to remain involved in care decisions.
The family-oriented approach also acknowledges that dementia affects the entire family system, not just the person with the diagnosis. Elderly and Dementia Care Services at Hovi Care include support for family members who are navigating their own emotional responses to their loved one’s changing abilities.
Myth: One-size-fits-all approaches work for dementia care
Perhaps one of the most problematic misconceptions in dementia care is that standardized approaches work equally well for everyone. This myth fails to recognize that each person with dementia has a unique life history, personality, preferences, and expression of symptoms.
Hovi Care’s commitment to individuality means rejecting cookie-cutter solutions in favor of personalized care plans that respect each client’s unique needs and wishes. We understand that what works beautifully for one person may be ineffective or even distressing for another.
This commitment to individualized care is reflected in our specialized themed units like Nature and Wellbeing or Creativity and Wellbeing. These themes aren’t merely decorative concepts—they represent thoughtfully designed environments and programming that tap into different pathways to wellbeing.
For instance, a resident who has always found peace in natural settings may thrive in our Nature and Wellbeing themed environment, while someone with a lifelong passion for artistic expression might connect more deeply with our Creativity and Wellbeing approach. This flexibility allows us to meet each person where they are.
The truth about creating supportive environments for dementia
The physical environment plays a crucial role in the wellbeing of people living with dementia—far more significant than many realize. At Hovi Care, environments are purposefully designed to be cosy, stimulating, and secure, addressing the unique perceptual and cognitive challenges that often accompany dementia.
Our memory-friendly designs incorporate elements that support orientation and independence. Simple navigation, visual cues, and carefully considered lighting all help reduce confusion and frustration. Safety technology solutions are integrated thoughtfully to provide protection while preserving dignity and independence.
Particularly distinctive to our approach is the incorporation of Green Care elements that bring nature indoors. These natural elements do more than simply beautify spaces—they evoke positive recollections and provide multi-sensory engagement that can be deeply calming and joy-inducing for people with dementia.
The truth about supportive environments is that they must balance multiple needs: providing safety without feeling institutional, offering stimulation without causing overwhelm, and creating spaces that feel like home rather than a facility. This delicate balance is at the heart of Hovi Care’s approach to elderly services, where environments become therapeutic tools in themselves.
Common challenges families face with dementia communication
Communication changes are among the most emotionally challenging aspects of dementia for families. As verbal skills decline, connections can feel strained, leading to frustration on both sides. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward maintaining meaningful connections.
Common communication hurdles include repeated questions, difficulty finding words, misunderstandings, and changes in the ability to follow conversations. Families often report feeling uncertain about how to respond when their loved one makes statements that aren’t factually accurate or doesn’t seem to recognize them.
At Hovi Care, we emphasize that effective communication with people who have dementia requires adaptation and flexibility. Our transparent approach means we share communication strategies with families, helping them understand that connecting emotionally often matters more than correcting factual errors.
Building trust through consistent, patient communication becomes a shared goal between our staff and families. We recognize that communication challenges evolve as dementia progresses, requiring ongoing adjustments in approach. This shared understanding helps reduce frustration and preserve the dignity of the person with dementia.
How technology can enhance quality of life with dementia
While technology cannot replace human connection in dementia care, thoughtfully implemented technological solutions can significantly enhance safety, engagement, and quality of life. Hovi Care integrates technologies for rehabilitation, therapy, and entertainment in ways that complement rather than replace personal care.
Safety technologies like discreet monitoring systems provide peace of mind without feeling intrusive. Therapeutic technologies offer new avenues for cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, and sensory experiences. From interactive projection systems that create engaging floor games to simplified tablets loaded with personalized content, these tools can unlock new possibilities for connection and enjoyment.
The key to effective technology in dementia care lies in emphasizing simplicity and clarity. Complex interfaces or frequently changing systems can cause confusion and frustration. At Hovi Care, technological solutions are evaluated not just for their features but for their accessibility to people with cognitive challenges.
When properly integrated into a comprehensive care approach, technology becomes another tool to support the core values of individuality, safety, and meaningful engagement that define Hovi Care’s eldercare services.
Understanding the realities behind these common dementia myths helps families make more informed decisions about care options. By recognizing that dementia requires specialized approaches rather than generic solutions, families can seek out care partners who truly understand the nuances of supporting someone with dementia.
At Hovi Care, our family-oriented philosophy means we walk alongside families throughout their journey, providing not just care for the person with dementia but support for the entire family system. Through personalized approaches, thoughtfully designed environments, and a deep commitment to preserving dignity and joy, we help ensure that people with dementia continue to lead meaningful lives filled with connection and purpose.
