Dementia Action Week is a chance to raise awareness and take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia. This year, the spotlight is on the importance of early diagnosis — and how care homes like ours can help families feel supported and understood throughout the dementia journey.
At HC-One, we care with kindness — which means taking time to understand what matters most and offering the right support at the right time. That support often begins with a diagnosis.
Key benefits of early dementia diagnosis
There are many benefits of receiving an early dementia diagnosis, although it can feel daunting at times. Understanding what's happening empowers people to take control of their lives, make informed decisions about their future care, and access crucial support that can significantly improve their quality of life. Here’s why recognising the signs early – and seeking a diagnosis – matters:
1. It opens the door to support. Early diagnosis allows people to access various therapies, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, occupational therapy, and strategies to manage specific symptoms. Wellbeing support might include mindfulness practices and gentle exercise programs.
2. It helps people plan ahead. With the right support, individuals and their families can make important decisions in their own time – about care, routines, home life and what’s most important to them.
3. It supports emotional wellbeing. Understanding what’s happening can bring reassurance and help people and their families adjust gradually, rather than facing sudden change.
4. It gives people a voice. Early diagnosis gives individuals the chance to express their wishes and stay in control of their care.
How care homes support people living with dementia
From the moment someone receives a dementia diagnosis, the right support can make a big difference. For many, a care home becomes an important part of that journey.
At HC-One, our homes are warm, welcoming places where people living with dementia are treated with kindness, understanding and respect. Some people join us when their dementia is mild, looking for day-to-day support and a sense of community. As their needs change, we’re able to provide a home for life — with many of our homes offering both residential and nursing dementia care.
HC-One is a leading provider of specialist dementia care, with expert teams, Dementia Care Managers and purpose-designed environments to support each person as their condition progresses.
Here’s how we care:
Personalised care, led by you
We take time to get to know each person – their life story, their likes and dislikes, and the hobbies and pastimes thatbring them joy. This helps us create a personalised care plan that evolves alongside their condition, offering the right support at every stage. For example, if we learn a resident has always enjoyed gardening, we'll ensure opportunities for them to engage with our garden or even help tend to indoor plants, adapting the activity to their current abilities.
Safe, calm and familiar surroundings
Our homes are thoughtfully designed to help residents feel secure and comfortable – with familiar layouts, calming décor and spaces that promote independence, safety and wellbeing. Our teams often feature memory boxes outside residents' rooms, using familiar objects to aid recognition, and we utilise consistent layouts to minimise confusion.
Kind, professional teams who really care
At HC-One, we know that providing the best dementia care takes more than just clinical knowledge — it takes time, patience, and heartfelt kindness.
Our care teams are specially trained in person-led dementia care, from understanding the emotional impact of a diagnosis to developing communication techniques that support people living with memory loss. They take time to listen, notice the small details, and build trusting relationships that help residents feel safe, calm and valued.
Behind them is a wider team of expert Dementia Care Managers who provide wraparound support across our homes. These specialists guide best practice, provide additional training, and help embed personalised, meaningful approaches to care – ensuring consistency and confidence for residents, families and colleagues alike.
It’s this combination of local, compassionate teams and national dementia expertise that helps us care with kindness, every step of the way.
Support for families too
We know that dementia doesn’t only affect the person receiving the diagnosis – it impacts the whole family. That’s why we offer guidance, reassurance and regular updates, so families feel involved and supported every step of the way. This might include regular family meetings, workshops on understanding dementia, and dementia friendly events with our local communities.
A focus on living well
From meaningful activities and reminiscence sessions to gentle routines that promote calm and confidence, our homes are vibrant, engaging places to live – where every day can bring a sense of purpose and connection. Our activity programs include reminiscence therapy sessions using photos and music from different eras, gentle exercise classes adapted for varying mobility levels, and opportunities for social interaction through group activities and outings.
Together, we can take action
This Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging more families to speak openly about memory concerns and to seek support early. A diagnosis doesn’t mean the end – it can be the beginning of better understanding, tailored care, and the chance to live well with dementia.
At HC-One, we’re proud to be by your side throughout the journey — offering a safe place to live, a team who truly care, and a community where you can belong and thrive.
If you or a family member is living with dementia or noticing changes in memory or behaviour, reach out to your GP to explore options to investigate and seek a diagnosis.
To find out more about HC-One’s family of care homes and how we can support you, Speak to our professional care advisors on 0333 999 8699.