Most people with dementia want to live in the familiar comfort of their own home and maintain engagement with their community and their world.

My home, my life: Practical ideas for people with dementia and carers brings together the voice of people with dementia and carers with the best learning from research and care experience to provide insightful tips, strategies and real-life stories to support greater independence. 

Whether it is through a better understanding of the impact of dementia and ageing, tips on good design at home, strategies for going out or approaches to communication and care, My home, my life will enable people with dementia, carers and their support networks to meet challenges with courage and creativity.

Some of these practical tips for people with dementia and their carers include:

• Use your personal devices - simple alarms on your phone will be a helpful reminder about appointments or when to take medications.
• Signage - using signage in your own home might feel strange at first, but it can be a tremendous help for someone living with dementia. Labels on cupboards or signs to the bathroom are some examples. 
• Create outdoor space - if you have a yard, schedule time to go outside. Make the space dementia-friendly with a seat with a back and arms visible from the doorway.
• Have a bag packed - have a list of medications and dosages, clothes and items that might be comforting (like favourite foods or small items) packed and ready.

My home, my life was the winner of the Australasian Journal on Ageing Book Award for 2018.

About the authors

Agnes Houston MBE is a dementia activist who has always put others first. She was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2006 at the age of 57. She has campaigned for best practice and improving the lives of people with dementia (especially those experiencing sensory issues) in Scotland and received a lifetime achievement award from Alzheimer Scotland in 2013.

Colm Cunningham is the Director of HammondCare’s Dementia Centre and leads an Australian and international team of more than 200 staff involved in research, education and consultancy as well as the translation of this knowledge into accessible publications and tools to improve practice. Colm has more than 30 years’ experience in older age care.

Natalie Duggan is an aged care specialist with 25 years experience in senior leadership and education, including roles as Head of the Dementia Centre and Head of Hammond College. Natalie has a Master of International Dementia Studies and regularly presents at conferences and collaborates with leading experts in dementia care around the world.

‘No one is pretending there are not challenges for people with dementia living at home. But neither should we lose sight of the fact that the person with dementia can be an active and engaged citizen with quality of life, full of rich experiences, tears and laughter and, of course, love and respect.’ 

- Agnes Houston MBE

Product details

• Size: 21 x 14 x 2cm
• Published by HammondCare in 2018
• ISBN 9780994546197